There was a time when the idea of phys-ed as a taught subject would have been laughable, especially for kids. But we live in a sit-down world these days, so special attention to physical fitness is important.

This section is specifically about personal fitness. See our sports section for info on organized (and not so organized) physical activities.

Every time I hear schools bemoaning the lack of funds for gym classes and how kids are in such poor physical shape, I'm amazed. It doesn't cost a thing to move around -- to walk, jump, run and exercise in a host of other fun ways.

The biggest challenge of personal fitness (believe me, I know) is habit. Regular activity must become a habit. Habits are developed by old-fashioned practice. For this reason, PE once a week is probably not enough. Consider these ideas -- applicable in a home, group or school setting:

- Start the day right. Start with some sort of short physical activity: A brisk walk (inside or out), some jumping jacks, a little jumping rope, jogging in place, so may laps around the house, whatever exercise appeals to you.

- Prelude each subject with a little round of exercise, even if it's just a walk. It helps get the wiggles out of the little ones, too.

- Build strength with mini-goals (and rewards). List things you'd like your child to be able to do, along with incremental goals and accompanying rewards, and help him or her map out a practice plan to achieve them. Example: Say your goal is 30 sit-ups and your child has trouble with the first one. You might offer a small toy, certificate or some such thing for one sit-up a day for one week. Week two, the goal is two a day. From there you should be able to build up a little quicker. Here are some activities you might want to include in your physical challenge: walking or running a certain distance, chin-ups, jumping rope, push-ups, jumping jacks.

- Exercise is often more fun with company, especially for children. Consider a weekly phys-ed day with your homeschool group, relatives, neighbors, or whoever's around. Relay races are lots of fun, as well as obstacle courses, plain old racing, group jump rope, even group aerobics.

- "Dancing" to peppy music can be very motivating.

- Exercise equipment may be motivating to your children. Put up a basketball hoop, buy an exercise bike, get a punching bag. Look around at your local sporting goods store to see what your options are. Check out toy stores, too.

Fitness Resources

The President's Physical Fitness Challenge. Here's a way to be organized about fitness. You can do it individually or in groups.

List of exercises at Amateur Sports.com. Try these on for fitness!

Video: Exercise With Arfy. This might be just the thing to get your children moving.

Physical Fitness Books for Kids. Check out these books listed on Amazon.