Exercise for Children: How Much They Need and Why It Helps

Like adults, children need exercise. Most children need at least an hour of physical activity every day.

The benefits

Regular exercise can help children:

• feel less stressed;
• feel better about themselves;
• be more ready to learn at school;
• keep a healthy weight;
• build and keep healthy bones, muscles and joints;
• sleep better at night.

Helping children move more

As children spend more time watching TV, they spend less time running and playing. Parents can:

• limit time on TV, video games and computers;
• set an example by being active themselves — exercising together can be fun for the whole family;
• encourage sport and play: competitive sports help children stay fit, and walking or cycling to school, dancing, bowling and yoga are other good ways to be active.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Exercise for Children." https://medlineplus.gov/exerciseforchildren.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.