Physical Activity For Children

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Your child needs regular physical activity through play and sports to stay fit. Good physical activity habits learned early in life can help your child become an active and healthy adult. Adults who are physically active are less likely to be overweight or to have heart disease, high blood pressure, and other diseases. Adults and children should try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.

• Encourage your child to participate in physical activities, including sports.
• Encourage involvement in activities that can be enjoyed into adulthood (walking, running, swimming, basketball, tennis, golf, dancing, and bicycle riding).
• Plan physical activities with family or friends; exercise is more fun with others.
• Limit the time your child spends watching TV to less than 2 hours per day. Encourage going out to the playground, park, gym, or swimming pool instead.
• Physical activity should be fun. Do not make winning the only goal.
• Many communities and schools offer exercise or sports programs-find out what is available for your child.