Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Guidelines for Youth

Physical Activity & Sedentary Behavior Guidelines for Youth

For youth, ages 12-17, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology recommends the following guidelines.

Physical Activity Guidelines

  • 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intense aerobic physical activity or energetic play every day
    • Vigorous activities 3 days a week
    • Muscle and Bone strengthening activities 3 days a week
  • What type of activities should children and youth be doing?
    • Moderate Intensity Physical Activities
      • Skating
      • Bike riding
    • Vigorous Intensity Physical Activities
      • Running
      • Rollerblading
  • Download Full PDF: Physical Activity Guidelines for Youth

Sedentary Behavior Guidelines

What are the benefits?

  • Improved health
    • Improved body composition, bone density and cholesterol levels
  • Improved fitness
  • Improved self confidence
  • Decreased stress

Promoting Physical Activity With Your Child or Teen

This is not just the responsibility of the child or youth, parents and caregivers can work together. Get your child to walk or bike to school, get the neighborhood kids together for a game of basketball after school or get involved in sports activities. Remember physical activity is key to staying happy and healthy! Encourage your child to follow their own passions/interests that encourage increased physical activity such as dance, karate, gymnastics or team sports. Get moving with them!

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Phone: 604-876-9977                 Email: info@backsinaction.ca