Recommendations
Physical Activity Recommendations for Children and Adolescents: More Important Than Ever
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes to society – including limiting the opportunities children and adolescents have to be physically educated and active in schools, at home, and in communities. We have yet to understand the full impact of COVID-19 related school closures, cancellations of youth sports and other after-school and community-based physical activities on children and adolescents’ health. Disparities and limited access to resources have also accentuated the existing inequities that leave youth with fewer opportunities to be active. However, the lessons learned from these experiences have better positioned stakeholders to adjust and better advocate for improvements to promote physical activity in children and youth.
The Physical Activity Alliance is proud to release a series of papers, “Physical Activity Recommendations for Children and Adolescents: More Important Than Ever”, with recommendations specific to each developmental level – elementary, middle school, and high school as well as sports across all developmental levels. The purpose of this series of papers is to outline key considerations for influencers, decision makers, and the public overall from all societal sectors of our population to take action to change or enhance the landscape of physical activity promotion for the overall health of our children and youth.
Walk. Run. Dance. Play. What's your move?
Everyone needs physical activity to stay healthy. But it can be hard to find the time in your busy routine.
The Move Your Way® tools, videos, and fact sheets on this page have tips that make it easier to get a little more active. And small changes can add up to big health benefits!
No matter who you are, you can find safe, fun ways to get active — to move your way.
Find tools and resources here.
(Move Your Way® and the Move Your Way logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.)
The U.S. National Physical Activity Plan
The U.S. National Physical Activity Plan is based on a vision: One day, all Americans will be physically active, and they will live, work and play in environments that encourage and support regular physical activity.
The National Physical Activity Plan is a comprehensive set of policies, programs, and initiatives designed to increase physical activity in all segments of the U.S. population. The Plan aims to foster a national culture that supports physically active lifestyles. Its ultimate purpose is to improve health, prevent disease and disability, and enhance quality of life.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provides evidence-based guidance to help Americans maintain or improve their health through physical activity.
To learn more about the benefits of physical activity and the recommendations for the amount and types of physical activity you should participate in each day, visit: https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/physical-activity-guidelines/current-guidelines