Kids need at least an hour of exercise a day

According to recent studies, kids aren’t getting nearly enough exercise on a daily basis. The latest physical activity report card released by the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance (NPAPA) gave American children a D- grade for their overall level of physical activity. Researchers found that only 21 percent of American youth currently meet the Physical Activity Guidelines of getting 50 minutes or more of physical exercise each day.

If you’re a parent, try to help your children find physical activities that they truly enjoy so that they’re more likely to maintain the habit over time. While some kids enjoy team sports, others prefer solitary activities like dancing, swimming or biking.

Simply playing with friends outside can also be a great way for kids to get the recommended hour of exercise.

And remember to be a role model yourself. Having a parent that exercises regularly sends the right message about the importance of physical fitness.

Did you know?
Research shows that children who get enough exercise are more creative, better at solving problems and less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. They also tend to have longer attention spans and better self-esteem.