A new study, reported by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, suggests that after-school programs can increase the amount of physical activity among girls in middle school. Schools all over the US who worked with community partners, like the YMCA, YWCA, and rec clubs, participated in the study. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity increased by about 2 minutes per day, and 80 calories a week!

The activity of the participants was measured using accelerometers (crazy-cool gadgets for measuring the acceleration at which you move your bod) rather than having the students report the activity themselves. The study also showed a reduction of 8.2 minutes in “sedentary time”, a.k.a couch potato time! The most effective activities took place between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Weekend and morning activities did not have the same impact. Researchers hope to rally the support of schools and communities to continue to stand behind these activities that may help prevent teen obesity.

By: Jaime Sunday

Blog It Out... Do you go to a local Y? Do you take part in any after-school programs. If so, tell us why you heart them!