Physical Activity in Early Childhood
Physical activity in combination with proper nutrition is vital for optimal growth and development!
- Did you know? Physical activity along with a healthy diet can improve children's overall well-being along with enhancing attention, critical thinking and memory skills, and classroom behavior!
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Benefits of Physical Activity for Children
- Builds strong muscles & increase endurance
- Strengthens bones
- Improves blood pressure
- Reduces the risk of depression
- Improves memory & concentration
- Helps to maintain blood sugar levels
- Regulates body weight
- Reduces risk of long-term chronic diseases
Physical Activity Recommendations
- Young children between 3 to 4 years old should be active for at least 3 hours per day
- All children 3 years and older should engage in moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity for at least 60 mins per day
- Sedentary screen time should be limited to maximum of 1 hour per day
- Children should engage in various types of physical activity such as:
- Aerobic activities (ex. running, playing sports, bike riding, hula hoop, etc.)
- Bone-strengthening activities (ex. jumping, dancing, skipping, hopping, etc.)
- Muscle strengthening activities (ex. climbing, pull-ups, push-ups, yoga, etc.)