Are children less fit today compared to previous decades?Physical inactivity and obesity among children have been the leading health problems in Canada with significant evidence of increases childhood obesity and high levels of inactivity in recent years (Tremblay et al., 2010). The majority of Canadian children do not achieve the recommended amount of physical activity for their age (Deraspe, 2012). Canadian children today are “weaker,” “fatter,” “heavier,” and “taller” than they were several decades ago (Tremblay et al., 2010). The causes of physical inactivity are numerous, including environmental and social factors as well as school practices (Downs, 2005). The consequences of physical inactivity are associated with the development of several chronic diseases, higher health costs and a loss of future productivity (Tremblay et al., 2010). Obesity, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia are worrying risk factors for children because they persist into adulthood; therefore, physical activity and fitness are the main preventive measures (Baranowski et al., 1992). The importance of physical activity and fitness is associated with multiple benefits for children's health and well-being (Downs, 2005; Tremblay et al., 2010). The level of physical fitness of children has decreased considerably compared to recent decades (Larouche, 2011). This article reviews the literature on the current level of physical fitness in children. Fitness is “a set of attributes that people possess or acquire that are related to their ability to perform physical activity,” or a physiological state (as cited in Branca, Nikogosian, & Lobstein, 2007, p. 35). Components of physical fitness include measuring body composition [e.g., waist circumference, skinfolds, and body mass...... middle of paper ...... established sedentary behavior is the preferred method of activity for children (2005). The school environment plays an important role in the level of physical activity of children, where they spend most of their time (Downs, 2005). Due to curriculum changes and budgetary concerns, physical education (PE) has not been a priority and; thus, there is a decline in physical education (2005). Physical education is an important topic because physically fit children perform better on cognitive tasks and process stimuli more quickly than sedentary children (2005). Children's fitness levels have declined significantly compared to recent decades (Larouche, 2011). They are “weaker,” “bigger,” “heavier,” and “taller” than they were several decades ago due to numerous social and environmental factors (Downs, 2005; Tremblay et al. , 2010). Physical activity and fitness are key preventive measures