From the Editor-in-Chief . . .
It seems like we either love or hate gym class, but do these feelings affect physical activity later in life? In the 15 August issue, Ladwig and colleagues address this question using a retrospective survey of enjoyment or nonenjoyment in over a thousand individuals 18-45 years of age. It is possible that perceptions of physical education class influence the amount of physical activity and sedentary time exhibited by individuals as they progress through life. In turn, this has implications for health as both physical activity and sedentary behavior affect all aspects of life including many chronic diseases. Given the vast majority of individuals attend either public or private school and some form of physical education if offered, the potential impact of perceptions of enjoyment or nonenjoyment could be vast. Attitudes and intentions for physical activity and present physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed by the survey. An interesting open-ended question "what is the best and worst physical education memory," allowed individual responses to provide insight regarding love or hate of gym class.
Authors are encouraged to submit original research, reviews, and policy on physical activity that translate to real life practice in individuals and communities. Information for Authors for the Translational Journal of The American College of Sports Medicine may be found on the ACSM web site.
Joseph E. Donnelly, EdD, FACSM
