Move More
Make Family Time Active Time!
You might think that the goal for children to be moderately physically active for 60 minutes seems like a lot of time. Life does get in the way, but it doesn't have to.
Make getting more physical activity a family project. Encourage everyone to think of fun things to do and to get up and move, get off the sofas and away from the screens—especially doing things as a family.
There are literally hundreds of ways to enjoy physical activity together as a family. Here are just a few examples:
- Walk or bike to your children's sports events to cheer for them.
- Bike to the library together.
- Have your children come to your sports events and cheer for you.
- Celebrate special occasions—birthdays, anniversaries—with something active, such as a hike, a volleyball game, or a Frisbee match.
- Train together for a charity walk or run.
- Park a little farther away from the front door of the store when you go shopping. Enjoy a chat as you walk together!
Read the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to find out about more recommendations.
Remember, household chores can also count as exercise. Many household jobs can help build strong bodies. Older children can also earn some extra cash by volunteering to do some of these chores.
- Raking leaves
- Shoveling snow
- Weeding the garden
- Harvesting the garden
- Vacuuming and sweeping
- Dusting furniture
- Washing windows inside
- Walk the dog (or and elderly neighbor's dog)
- Baby-sit (Keeping up with a toddler can require constant movement!)