Physical activity for kids and teens
How much physical activity should I do?
For children and young people (5 to 17 years) you should aim for:
- at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day
- activities that strengthen muscles and bones on 3 days per week.
Examples of physical activity
Make sure you do things that make you huff and puff which includes things like:
- running
- bike riding or scooting
- one-on-one basketball in the driveway
- creating your own dance routine.
As well as things that make you huff and puff, do lots of light physical activity like:
- a leisurely walk
- throwing a ball in the backyard
- a stretching routine in the sunshine.
Examples of activities that strengthen muscles and bones
Physical activity that strengthens muscles and bones includes things like:
- bodyweight movements such as push-ups and squats
- household tasks that involve lifting and carrying objects
- skipping
- yoga
Staying active videos
Wellbeing SA, supported by Exercise & Sports Science Australia, The City of Unley - Daily Moves and Wellbeing@Work, have developed some videos that focus on:
- Movement skills for children and teenagers
- Fun and easy to follow dance routine for children
- Short-burst ‘huff and puff’ physical activity for children and teenagers
- How to use outdoor exercise equipment for teenagers and adults
- Yoga for children and teenagers
