Indian schoolchildren are getting fitter after Covid — but not enough where it matters most. Weak endurance and muscle strength highlight a growing public health concern shaped by diet, inactivity, and environment.
Just one in three Indian schoolchildren has adequate stamina, with only 34% meeting aerobic fitness benchmarks — the weakest among all indicators — according to a report evaluating over 1.4 lakh children across 333 schools in 112 cities.
The findings highlight poor cardiovascular endurance, weak muscle strength, and disparities across school types, even as overall fitness levels recover steadily after the Covid-19 slump. The report presents a mixed picture: while flexibility and core strength show relatively strong outcomes, the overall fitness profile remains uneven.
The findings highlight poor cardiovascular endurance, weak muscle strength, and disparities across school types, even as overall fitness levels recover steadily after the Covid-19 slump. The report presents a mixed picture: while flexibility and core strength show relatively strong outcomes, the overall fitness profile remains uneven.