U of M Study: More girls in sports, still lagging in exercise

New numbers show that more girls are playing sports than ever before. But on the flip side, they aren't as physically active in everyday activities, especially after childhood.

The findings are part of a study released today by the University of Minnesota's Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sports.

"The research confirms that many good things are happening when it comes to girls and physical activity," said Nicole LaVoi, associate director of the Tucker Center and a report author. "Girls are participating in organized sports more than ever and at all levels -- from organized youth sports, to interscholastic sports and up through Olympic competition."

The report outlines the positve effects of sports for girls, such as reducing the risk of health problems like Type 2 Diabeties, Osteoporosis and Cardiovascular Disease. It also helps social, psychological, and motor skills as well as better performance in school.

Girls participate in sports for competition, getting in shape, socializing with friends, and having fun. But, the report says gender inequities, stereotypes, and poverty limit girls athletic activity. LaVoi says it hurts girls of color who often fall into lower socioeconomic groups.

Despite the advancements in girls athletics', LaVoi says getting girls active everyday is still a challenge.

"So while some girls are physically active, many girls fail to meet minimal standards of physical activity needed to accrue developmental and health benefits, or worse, they are completely sedentary. There remains a great deal of work left to be done."

That goes for guys as well. The report says models of physical education organized on competition, team sports, power, and strength disadvantage males and females. The focus is on the motor elite rather than skill development, which may turn youth away from physical activity for life.

Dr. Nicole LaVoi from the Tucker Center joined us to talk about the study. Click the video link to watch the segment.

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