By: Alexus Masterson, MPH,
Family & Consumer Sciences Educator
Ohio State University Extension, Muskingum County
Physical activity is an important part of what keeps us healthy when we are young, and as we age, the need for physical activity daily changes! The American Heart Association recommends kids and teens (from 6-17) get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily (AHA, 2023). With the boundless energy that children have from a very early age, it can be hard to imagine children not being active. External factors such as technology heavily impacts children when it comes to physical fitness. Tablets, video games, virtual reality simulators, and handheld devices have made an impact on physical activity level in the recent generations. Public school systems have been proactive in children getting the recommended 60 minutes of activity through requiring Physical Education curriculum, but as parents there are still ways to encourage play outside of school! A study on physical activity in childhood noted the relationship to physical activity levels of youth and parents correlated (Mitchell, 2019). Children notice adult behaviors like physical activity, eating habits, and hobbies and are likely to copy you, since it was what they are used to seeing a trusted adult do. This provides room for new opportunities as well!
Kids at any age are constantly on the go with sports, after school activities, and summer plans, so incorporating 60 minutes of physical activity every day might be a challenge. Some simple ways you and your family can participate together include swimming, hiking, gardening, or going on a walk. Participating in things as a family can help strengthen the family unit as one on one time with your children becomes harder as they grow up due to increased commitments in other activities. Setting a good example like why it is important to eat right, exercise, and preform daily hygiene is critical for kids to learn the importance of taking care of themselves! This summer, take time and plan some fun activities to keep moving.
Sources: American Heart Association. (2023, October 24). How Can I Help My Child Be More Physically Active? AHA. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-children
Mitchell J. (2019). Physical Inactivity in Childhood from Preschool to Adolescence. ACSM’s health & fitness journal, 23(5), 21–25. https://doi.org/10.1249/fit.0000000000000507
