Thursday, April 23, 2009

How Much Physical Acitivity do Children Need?

How much physical activity do children need?

Children & adolescents should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity daily.
This may sound like a lot, but don't worry! Your child may already be meeting the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. You'll soon discover may easy and enjoyable ways to help your child meet the recommendations. Encourage your child to participate in activities that are age-appropriate, fun, and offer variety. Just make sure your child is doing three types of physical activity:
  1. Aerobic Activity - should make up most of your child's 60 or more minutes of physical activity daily. This can include either moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, or vigorous-intensity activity, such as running. Be sure to include vigorous-intensity aerobic activity on at least 3 days each week.
  2. Muscle Strengthening - such as gymnastics or push-ups, should be included at least 3 days each week as part of your child's 60 or more minutes.
  3. Bone Strengthening - such as jumping rope or running, should be included at least 3 days each week as part of your child's 60 or minutes.

Until tomorrow, get outside and get active!

Blessing for a Glorious Day!

4 comments:

  1. Hi Susie,

    Does running around in circles in the livingroom count as aerobic activity? LOL

    The kiddos and I have break-out dance sessions to the High School Musical soundtrack at least 3 times a day. Well over the recommended 60 minutes. :-)

    I look forward to when the kiddos are a bit older to start organized sports. Our son wants to go to baseball and basketball "school." lol And we can see our little "monkey" daughter take on the balance beam or uneven bars!

    Thanks for another great post!

    Many Blessings....
    Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Roxanne,

    Running around in circles does count as activity, I get this picture of you and the kiddos chasing each other around and dancing and laughing together. Laughing is also a great stress reliever. Dancing is an excellent aerobic activity, depending on the intensity, you could burn on avereage 250-750 calories in 30-45 minutes. I teach a Latin dance aerobics class and we burn about 600-700 calories in 35-40 minutes. Exercise can be fun, if you want to LOL watch me dance! My sons are always laughing at me!

    You and the kiddos keep on having fun and staying active.

    Belssing to you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Susie!

    Latin dance aerobics! How cool! You Go, Girly!! :-)

    Many Blessings to you family, too.

    Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Roxanne,

    I forgot to mention that dance is also a great way to improve a persons coordination. It has improved mine tremendously.

    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete