In Riihimäki, the students' Move results are unchanged - still lower than the national average

The Move measurements of physical ability were carried out in the autumn in all primary schools in Finland for 5th and 8th graders, also in Riihimäki. The measurements examined the students' endurance, strength, speed, mobility, balance and basic motor skills.

In Riihimäki, 5 pupils from the 260th grade and 8 pupils from the 320th grade took part in the measurements in physical education classes.

According to the results, 40,6 percent of Riihimäki's fifth-graders have a level of physical activity that is potentially consuming or harmful to their health and well-being. For eighth graders, the corresponding figure is 42,7 percent. Riihimäki's combined result is 41,7 percent. The national average is 38 percent.

In 2023, the combined result of Riihimäki's students was the same as this year, 41,7 percent. Looking at the time span of a few years, however, the direction is good.

- In Riihimäki, between 2022 and 2024, the proportion of students whose physical ability is at a level that is potentially consuming or harmful to health and well-being has decreased slightly. The share of such students has decreased from 2022 percent in 46 to 42 percent this year. The development has been remarkable for girls in the 5th grade, where the figures have dropped from 48 percent to 39 percent, says the city's project coordinator Karoliina Salminen.

Also nationally, fewer 5th graders than before have low physical ability.

Performances measured in the test include a 20-meter line run, slow 5-jump, throw-catch combination, upper body lift (abdominal crunch), front push-up and mobility tested with three different movements.

Free physical education counseling is available for middle school students

At the beginning of this academic year, a youth sports advisor, or school PT, started working at Riihimäki middle schools. The mission of Koulu-PT is to increase students' movement during the school day. Every middle school has at least one day a week of gymnasiums, during which time the students exercise according to their wishes.

In addition, the school-PT offers free exercise counseling at middle schools from 6th to 9th. for classmates.

- The most important thing for children and young people is the versatility and joy of exercise. They find exercise interesting and engaging. There is no need for paid workouts done several times a week. With me, for example, you can try different sports and find a unique way to move, says school PT Aaro Kilpinen.

Exercise counseling is, for example, a discussion about the young person's everyday life, everyday habits and well-being, as well as thinking about solutions to problems and getting to know different forms of exercise and hobby opportunities.

You can sign up for exercise counseling alone or with a friend, and its content is planned together with the participants. Sign up for exercise counseling form. School PT Aaro Kilpinen will contact the student via text message or WhatsApp after registration and arrange the first meeting during the school day or right after.

You can practice without fees and hassle

Riihimäki schools have hobby groups based on the Finnish model of hobby. The model supports the well-being and equality of children and young people by offering free hobbies after the school day. Hobby groups are available at every elementary school in Riihimäki for 1st-9th graders.

There are hobby groups to choose from, from cooking to exercise and art.

- Enrollment in the groups is continuous throughout the year. There are many different kinds of physical activities for elementary and middle school students. You don't have to have any previous hobby background! You can register immediately and you can join after the Christmas break. It's also worth signing up for places in the queue, because places become available at regular intervals, Karoliina Salminen enthuses.

Exercise counseling for young people and adults offered by the city of Riihimäki

Get to know hobby groups at schools - continuous registration

All recreational activities for children and young people in Riihimäki

Riihimäki Move results 2024 (pdf)

Presentation of Move measurements (Education Board)