What are the physical activity recommendations for children and adolescents?
According to the 2005 dietary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), all children and adolescents 2 years and older should get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise on most, preferably all, days of the week. Vigorous exercise makes you ‘huff and puff’. For best results, this should be added to the above guidelines on 3-4 days a week for 30 minutes or more each time. Research has shown that the added health benefit of carrying out some regular vigorous exercise includes extra protection against heart disease. Vigorous exercise will also help to improve fitness and sports performance in activities requiring a high level of energy use.
