Youth Exercise - YMCA of Southwestern Indiana

Youth Exercise

Even if your child is getting 60 minutes of physical activity every day, are they getting the right type?

  • Aerobic activity should make up most of your child’s 60 or more minutes of physical activity each day. This can include either moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, or vigorous-intensity activity, such as running. Be sure to include vigorous-intensity aerobic activity on at least 3 days per week.
  • Muscle strengthening activities, such as gymnastics or push-ups, at least 3 days per week as part of your child’s 60 or more minutes.
  • Bone strengthening activities, such as jumping rope or running, at least 3 days per week as part of your child’s 60 or more minutes.

    Age Appropriate Activities:

    Some physical activity is better-suited for children than adolescents. For example, children do not usually need formal muscle-strengthening programs, such as lifting weights. Younger children usually strengthen their muscles when they do gymnastics, play on a jungle gym or climb trees. As children grow older and become adolescents, they may start structured weight programs. For example, they may do these types of programs along with their football or basketball team practice.