Establishing an Exercise and Activity Plan

Daily exercise is a good way to spend time with family and friends.

• Every day, children should do at least 60 minutes of exercise that is fitting for age, fun and involves different types of activities.
• Choose activities that are aerobic and make bones and muscles stronger.
• Daily exercise doesn’t need to be done all at once. Your child can exercise five to ten minutes at a time, throughout the day, to add up to 60 minutes.

Aerobic exercise:

• Continuous movement that makes your breathing and heart beat get faster.
• Improves fitness and helps prevent heart disease.
• Some exercise should be vigorous, where your child plays hard enough to get sweaty or out of breath.

Daily exercise is part of being healthy. Some children can exercise too much. If your child begins losing too much weight or if exercise interferes with school and other activities, talk with your child's doctor.

Benefits of Regular Exercise and Activity

The following are the benefits of regular exercise:

• Improves blood flow
• Helps with healthy weight
• Improves cholesterol
• Prevents and lowers high blood pressure
• Improves energy
• Improves sleep
• Releases tension
• Improves self-image
• Helps manage stress
• Helps lower anxiety and depression
• Improves mood
• Builds strong muscles and bones