How much should kids exercise?

by: AndreaDow
Total views: 1271
Word Count: 206

Tuesday, March 20th

Do kids need to exercise just like adults? Yes, of course, they do! How much exercise they need just might surprise you though. Enter MyActivity Pyramid, a new spin on the old food guide pyramid, to give us some answers. This is a great tool for parents and kids to reference in terms of appropriate exercise levels for 6-11 year olds. What a great way to get families working out together!

The pyramid has adorable cartoon drawings of different activities and the frequency with which these activities are recommended. The activities at the base of the pyramid should be part of your child's everyday routine and include things like playing outside at recess, helping out around the house, shooting hoops or riding a bike after school. Take note parents.....even kids are encouraged to exercise 60 minutes a day. Inactive time at the top of the pyramid should be limited to two hours or less each day. Parents should limit TV time, playing video games or working on the computer. Setting good examples for your kids is so important. Show kids that exercise can and is fun. Get up, get going and get the whole gang moving and grooving.

For more information or to print the MyActivity Pyramid:
http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore/hesguide/foodnut/n00386.htm

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