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Youth Physical Activity Guidelines Toolkit

Introduction

The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans [PDF – 8.35 MB], issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services, recommend that children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years should have 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity each day.1


Youth Physical Activity Guidelines

  • Children and adolescents should have 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity daily.
    • Aerobic: Most of the 60 or more minutes a day should be either moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity and should include vigorous-intensity physical activity at least 3 days a week.
    • Muscle-strengthening: As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include muscle-strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days of the week.
    • Bone-strengthening: As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include bone-strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days of the week.
  • It is important to encourage young people to participate in physical activities that are appropriate for their age, that are enjoyable, and that offer variety.

A Toolkit for Schools, Families, and Communities

Cover of Toolkit Poster

 

Despite the many health benefits associated with regular physical activity, many children and adolescents do not participate in physical activity for 60 minutes or more each day. To promote the guidelines and support youth physical activity, CDC and several partner organizations developed the Youth Physical Activity Guidelines Toolkit, which highlights strategies that schools, families, and communities can use to support youth physical activity.

The toolkit can be used by anyone who promotes youth physical activity, including community leaders; physical education and health education teachers; physical activity coordinators at the school, district, and state levels; and physical activity practitioners working in health or community-based organizations.


Toolkit Components

Many of the toolkit components can be adapted and customized for various audiences. The User Guide provides an overview of all toolkit materials, offers suggestions for customizing components, and provides examples of use.


Ordering Information

Order a free copy of the Youth Physical Activity Guidelines Toolkit, which includes a CD with print-ready files of all materials.


Resources

References (expand to view)

1. US Department of Health and Human Services. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2008.

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