Facts on Kids & Exercise

Kids should be physically active at least one hour per day.

According to Medline Plus, many kids fail to achieve the minimum one hour of physical activity and exercise they need daily, due to overuse of television, video games and other sedentary activities.

Basics

Kids Health identifies three important elements of fitness: Endurance, strength and flexibility. Adults often exercise and train to these elements, while kids play games and get involved in activities that include them.

Statistics

Get Kids in Action points out alarming trends with kids and exercise. In 2006, only one-third of 15-year-olds were getting enough daily exercise. Kids and teens spend 5 1/2 to 6 hours daily on sedentary, media-driven (TV and games) activities. Most alarming, one-third of American kids are overweight or obese.

Exercise Benefits

Benefits to children who exercise regularly are better sleep, better overall fitness, healthier weight, reduced stress, better attention in school, reduced likelihood of various types of heart and weight-related diseases.

References

• Medline Plus: Exercise for Children
• Kids Health: Kids and Exercise
• Get Kids in Action: Get Your Kid in Action - The Importance of Exercise