How Much Exercise Do Kids Need?
Did you know that more than 30 percent of children in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese? Being overweight as a child can cause complications later in life like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.
Get kids moving! Encourage them to engage in physical activity exercise. But how much exercise do kids actually need?
Guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services recommend that children ages 6 and older should engage in:
- Aerobic activity for at least one hour a day, such as running, swimming, dancing, brisk walking, and playing sports.
- Muscle-strengthening activities at least 3 times a week, such as push-ups, sit-ups, and swinging on playground equipment.
- Bone-strengthening activities three times a week, such as: running, hopping, skipping, jumping.
Many activities cover more than one category, like playing basketball is an aerobic activity that also strengthens bones and muscles. Running around the playground and just letting kids be kids can keep them active and moving. If your child likes to climb, bring them to a jungle gym or climbing wall. If they like to explore, go on a hike through the woods. Even if reading is their favorite activity, take a walk to the local library to pick out a new book. The possibilities for incorporating physical activity into a child’s day are endless.
If your child participates in a team sport, remember that PIH Health Urgent Care Centers offer sports physicals. Visit PIHHealth.org/UCC to find a location near you.
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