EWING, NJ June 29, 2022 – Avery Faigenbaum, PhD, professor of kinesiology in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS) at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), has co-authored a field-changing book, “Essentials of Youth Fitness”, with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). A report from UNICEF found 52% of people ages 13 to 29 were less physically active in 2020 from pre-pandemic levels.

Outlining evidence-based exercise recommendations for children and teenagers, the publication will act as a foundation for an entire curriculum to be offered by the ACSM for physical fitness students and educators nationwide. Explaining the importance of exploring this subject area, Faignebaum remarks, “Troubling trends in youth physical inactivity have created an urgent need to activate this generation of boys and girls before they become resistant to our interventions later in life.”

“Exercise professionals and coaches often design exercise programs for young people as if they were miniature adults. That idea cannot be further from the truth. A child’s physical and emotional development, how they process information and learn concepts and the level of engagement of their support system must be considered to develop a safe, effective program,” says Francis Neric, national director of certification for ACSM. “Dr. Avery Faigenbaum’s depth of research and application of pediatric exercise science and long-term youth athletic development is second to none. He has a gift of seamlessly connecting science to practical application that exercise professionals at levels can learn from.”

TCNJ’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences’ Dean Carole Kenner explains, “Dr. Faigenbaum’s co-authorship on this pathbreaking subject is a shining example of our faculty’s dedication to advancing health sciences. We’re honored that our world-leading scholars continue to partner with esteemed organizations like the ACSM to shape a better future for youth physical fitness.”

TCNJ’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences educates aspiring health professionals to become future leaders across the healthcare industry. Faculty work closely with local healthcare partners to provide students with applicative skills and foundational knowledge. The nationally acclaimed school is dedicated to preparing individuals—through programs in nursing, public health, exercise science, and physical education teaching—for the many rewards of guiding people, communities, and populations toward improved health outcomes. The School is nationally recognized as a Healthy People 2030 Champion.

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