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Children and adolescents (age 6-17) need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Children and adolescents need a mix of aerobic, muscle, and bone-strengthening activities each week.
Some activities include a combination of all three types.
What counts as physical activity for children and adolescents
Children and adolescents (6-17) need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This includes activities that make their hearts beat faster, build muscles, and strengthen bones. Building muscles might include climbing or doing pushups. Strengthening bones can include running or jumping.
Many activities fall under multiple categories. Children and adolescents need moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity every day. They also need muscle- and bone-strengthening activity at least 3 days each week. Some activities, such as bicycling or basketball, can be done either at moderate- or vigorous intensity.
The talk test is a simple way to measure intensity. In general, at moderate intensity, children can talk but not sing during the physical activity. At vigorous intensity, children can only say a few words without pausing for a breath during the physical activity.
Examples of physical activities by type and age group
Type of Physical Activity
School-Aged Children
Adolescents
Moderate–intensity aerobic
Vigorous –intensity aerobic
Muscle-strengthening
Bone-strengthening
