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per week of 50-minute gym periods, five days per week of 30-minute gym periods or a different combination depending on the school. In secondary education, the recommendation is 225 minutes per week. Within the PE world, kids learn different sports and often spend much of the period
watching demonstrations or standing in line. PE programs are designed to establish and sustain active lifestyles, but do not provide all of the physical activity kids need. Recently, school- based physical education program funding has been cut and school systems struggle to maintain physical education recommendations. Furthermore, kids who do not enjoy physical activity may refuse to participate and, therefore, perform less activity than their parents are led to believe.
Helping Your Child Achieve Optimal Physical Activity It’s important to help your kids meet their physical activity recommendations. Try teaching them various activities, and learn along with them. You should model active lifestyles for your children and participate so they grow up with physical activity as a normal part of their
everyday routine. If kids don’t enjoy a particular activity,
don’t force them to continue. However, find- ing an activity they enjoy is crucial. The more children enjoy a physical activity, the more they will benefit from it physically and psychologically. Not everyone can become a world-class athlete, but every age-group can and should benefit from regular physical activity. Physical activity includes all movement
that requires more energy output than the resting state, such as all types of recreation, sports and daily activities. It does not need to be structured. Encourage your kids to try multiple activities or exercises in order to strengthen all muscle groups equally and decrease the risk of injury. Physical activity should focus on improving balance, posture and coordination. Should you be stumped on activities for your kids, ask your health- care provider for suggestions.
How to Get Started Before beginning any structured exercise program, all kids should have a well-child visit with their provider. For children
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