In our world of video games, tablets, and smart phones, it seems that children and adults are spending less and less time being active and more and more time sitting still, staring at a screen. Staying active and healthy should be a daily priority for families.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and teens need at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity each day. Adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Although this may sound like a lot, being active doesn’t necessarily mean exercising at the gym. There are many ways to become more active and fit while having fun as a family.
- Take a walk
- Play catch
- Shoot basketball
- Play a game of tag
- Jump on a trampoline
- Run relay races
- Go skating
- Go hiking
- Go swimming
- Ride bikes
- Jump rope
- Ride scooters or skateboards
- Play at a park
- Play kickball
- Do outdoor chores
- Plant a garden
To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is also important to limit screen time. When kids (or adults) are sitting in front of a screen, they aren’t active. The CDC recommends limiting entertainment screen time to 1-2 hours per day. When the screens are off, encourage more active pastimes instead.
