The MOVEMENT Movement is an initiative that strives on helping individuals improve their mental, physical, and emotional health through movement. Our main focus is helping students, teachers, and individuals with special needs by providing educational classes and resources. We have visited over 20 elementary, middle, and high schools across Utah to share our message.
The goal of the program is to bring more awareness and provide simple solutions to bettering our physical, emotional, and mental health through movement.”
— Lindsey Larsen, program creatOr
STUDENTS & TEACHERS
A study done in 2019 by the Utah Department of Health states that only 17.9% of students in Utah are getting the required 60 minutes of physical activity a day. According to a study done in 2017 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 26.1% of high school students participate in at least 60 minutes per day of physical activity on all 7 days of the previous week. It is crucial that students get their adequate 60 minutes of physical activity. When students are more active, Movement throughout the day helps students to re-energize their bodies and their brains, helping them to focus and concentrate better. Research has shown that movement during the school day benefits academic performance and improves behavior.
Here are resources from the Utah County Health Department on ”Brain Breaks” to do in the classroom.
INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in things they are passionate about. Individuals with special needs often don’t get to participate in sports or dance classes. I decided to partner with Special Olympics to start the first Utah County DanceSport class. Parents of athletes have praised how this program has benefited their child’s independence, confidence, and self-esteem. It has also been a fun and safe environment for them to learn, grow and develop friendships.