Physical Activity at School

• How Much Physical Activity do Kids Need?
• Tips to Get Children More Active
• Why is Physical Activity Important?

How Much Physical Activity Do Kids Need?

For health benefits it is recommended that Children and Youth aged 5 to17:

• Accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily
• At least 3 days/ week of vigorous activities (e.g. running, swimming, rollerblading)
• At least 3 days/ week of muscle and bone strengthening activities (e.g. hopping, skipping, jumping)
• Activity can be added up in five or ten minute intervals
• Cut sedentary activities (such as video games and watching television) by 60 minutes per day

Tips to Get Children More Active:

Physical activity doesn’t mean sports – there are other, simple ways to make physical activity a part of daily life. Here are some ideas:

• Do DPA on non gym days
• Send students home with physical activity homework
• Build active opportunities into daily classroom routines
• Encourage students to join a school sport or intramural team
• Play active games at recess and before or after school
• Walk to school
• Let parents know the many Benefits of Physical Activity for their children

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Why is Physical Activity important?

Children need to be physically active for healthy growth and development and to:

• Develop cardiovascular fitness
• Build muscle and bone strength, and
• Increase flexibility

Other benefits for active children:

• Improved self-esteem and body image
• Decreased rates of developing depression
• Less likely to use tobacco and illegal drugs
• Better able to concentrate
• Improved academic achievement
• Better able to cope with stress

Helpful Links:

• Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Children - 5-11 years
• Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Youth - 12-17 years

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