The habits built in childhood often echo into adult life. A growing body of research suggests that strength, cardiovascular fitness, and disease risks later in life may stem from behaviors established as early as age 11.

A recent University of Georgia study, combined with findings from a longitudinal cohort of Finnish adolescents, demonstrates how movement patterns and physical activity shape lifelong health outcomes.

Study co-author Sami Yli-Piipari is an associate professor in the Mary Frances Early College of Education at the University of Georgia.

“Not only is this polarization happening, but it continues,” said Professor Yli-Piipari. “As you grow up, you tend to stay in the same group of habits, meaning that if you are not active and you have a little problem with your weight, that will likely remain as you age.”

Childhood fitness habits

Both studies highlight that children and adolescents tend to fall into distinct fitness categories. The researchers identified clusters based on motor competence, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, activity levels, and body composition.

These categories ranged from very low fitness with higher body mass to groups excelling in all areas with healthy weight. Nearly half of participants in both studies fell into the less healthy clusters.

The Finnish research showed that about 25 percent of adolescents belonged to the poorest health profile, marked by low motor competence, weak cardiovascular and muscular fitness, low activity, and unhealthy body composition. Girls were more often represented in these higher-risk categories.

Fitness patterns that persist

The troubling finding is that these categories remain remarkably stable. Children tracked over several years tended to stay within their profile.

“These profiles are quite stable, which is something that we have to take action on,” Yli-Piipari explained. “We have to make sure that when children are young, they have positive support for activities that improve their health. It is difficult to become more active or to stay active.”

The Finnish cohort confirmed this pattern, showing that risk profiles barely shifted across four years of follow-up.

Even among those starting with the healthiest indicators, about one-fifth moved toward lower fitness categories, suggesting that without support, activity levels decline with age.

Consequences for health

The persistence of poor fitness and unhealthy weight during adolescence has far-reaching implications. Both studies connect these movement profiles with cardiovascular disease risks and obesity.

Poor motor competence is not just linked with lower activity but can predict adult weight issues or obesity. Cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death worldwide, often traces its roots back to these early patterns.

“There are so many cardiovascular risk factors that are genetic or biological, but obviously health is also a big part of it. Cardiovascular diseases are, in the long run, life-threatening diseases, so cardiovascular health is so important,” Yli-Piipari said.

Building strong fitness habits

The research highlights the importance of introducing supportive environments at home, in schools, and in communities. Children need consistent encouragement and opportunities to be active. Positive role models can guide them toward healthier lifelong routines.

“Where can you learn those skills about your health? That’s school, physical education and clubs,” said Professor Yli-Piipari.

“We want to encourage parents to engage and take their kids to these kinds of activities – not even for them to be great athletes but to learn different kinds of skills and habits.”

Finnish researchers echo this view, recommending early screening, targeted interventions, and consistent encouragement. Improving motor competence through skill-learning opportunities can increase confidence, motivation, and long-term engagement in physical activity.

Maintaining positive habits requires ongoing support, as unhealthy patterns are unlikely to change without intentional action.

Never too late to be active

For adults, change may be more challenging but remains possible. “It’s never too late to start being active,” said Yli-Piipari. “If you find something that you like to do, you can totally change your behaviors and reduce your cardiovascular disease risks.”

The broader message from both studies is clear: children and adolescents need guidance to establish healthy routines, and adults can still benefit from new habits.

Movement patterns are not only about physical performance in youth but also about long-term resilience against life-threatening disease. Early interventions can shape confidence and motivation, making activity a natural part of daily life.

Without such efforts, unhealthy childhood fitness profiles tend to persist, raising future health risks.

Encouraging sports, outdoor play, and simple activities like walking can strengthen childhood fitness and reinforce positive behaviors. Over time, these small choices create a foundation for stronger hearts, healthier bodies, and longer lives.

The study is published in the European Journal of Pediatrics.

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