What is Physical Literacy?

“Physical literacy is our relationship with movement ad physical activity throughout life”.

1. Understanding physical literacy

Physical literacy refers to the degree to which we have a positive and meaningful relationship with movement and physical activity. Its a complex and ever-changing relationship. It reflects our connection and commitment to movement and physical activity, influenced by various factors such as our thoughts, feelings, engagement and experiences.

2. Why physical literacy matters

The quality of our relationship with movement and physical activity profoundly influences our choice to be active. Having a positive and meaningful relationship with movement and physical activity makes us more likely to be and stay active, benefiting our health, well-being and quality of life.

3. Supporting physical literacy

How we move, connect, think and feel during movement and physical activity plays a crucial role in shaping our physical literacy. By doing activities that we enjoy, find meaningful, and value, we deepen our connection with movement and physical activity, and foster an ongoing commitment to maintain an active lifestyle.

4. Our experiences affect our physical literacy

The people we interact with, the communities we are part of, the culture we experience, and the places and spaces we move in, powerfully influence our physical literacy. Those influences may be positive or negative. Positive experiences of movement and physical activity that meet our needs and support our development encourage us to be active in the future.

5. Physical literacy is personal

Everyone has their own strengths, need, circumstances, and past experiences that affect their relationship with movement and physical activity. Our physical literacy is therefore unique, ad changes over our lifetime.