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Physical Activity Recommendations for Children
The current activity recommendations for children are shown in the chart below. They are based on recommendations from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).
|
Age |
Minimum Daily Activity |
Comments |
|
Infant |
No specific requirements |
Physical activity should encourage motor development |
|
Toddler |
1 1/2 hours |
30 minutes planned physical activity AND 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play) |
|
Preschooler |
2 hours |
60 minutes planned physical activity AND 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play) |
|
School age |
1 hour or more |
Break into sessions lasting 15 minutes or more |
One of the best ways to get children to be more active is to limit the amount of time spent in sedentary activities, especially watching TV or playing video games. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 2 years watch no TV at all and that screen time should be limited to no more than 1 to 2 hours of quality programming a day for children 2 years and older.
Try to Limit:
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Liesure Computer Time
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Playing Video Games
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Watching TV
Examples of Aerobic Activity for children:
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Basketball
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Bike Riding
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In-Line Skating
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Soccer
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Swimming
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Tennis
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Walking
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Jogging
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Running
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Skate Boarding
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Horseback Riding
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Softball
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Volleyball
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Jumping Rope
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