Be Active! Be Healthy! Be Happy!

Average kids are active kids! According to the Department of Health & Human Services, "Youth can achieve substantial heath benefits by doing moderate-and vigorous-intensity physical activity for periods of time that add up to 60 minutes or more each day". So guess what. Being active can have tons of great benefits like:

Higher levels of cardio respiratory fitness
Stronger muscles and bones
Improved body composition
Reduction of anxiety and depression
Improved long-term health

As stated in the 2008 Guidelines, children and adolescents should focus on three types of activities: aerobics, muscle strengthening, and bone strengthening.

1. AEROBIC:
Cardio/rhythmically moving muscles. Also often called endurance or cardio.

Most physical activity should be spent doing moderate to intense aerobic activity - at least 3 times each week.
Results depend upon the intensity, frequency, and duration of the activity.
Examples: walking, hiking, skipping, skating, playing tag, and riding a bike.

2. MUSCLE STRENGTHENING:
Working muscles harder than normal. Should be a portion of daily physical activity - at least 3 times each week.

Is important to focus on the different muscle groups around the body.
Is dependent on intensity, frequency, and repetition of the activity.
Examples: playing on a playground, climbing trees, and tug-of-war.

3. BONE STRENGTHENING:
Applying force on bones to promote bone growth and strength. Also known as weight-bearing activities.

Should be a part of daily physical activity - at least 3 times each week.
Examples: running, jumping rope, playing hop scotch, and playing sports like tennis or basketball.

Remember, Average Kids are just that, kids,
so you shouldn't do the exact same workouts as adults because your bodies are different. Goetze's urges kids to talk to their parents about exercising and to ask a physician or trainer for advice before doing new types of physical activities. Also, please check out the guidelines for being safe an active according to the Department of Health & Human Services.

Links

Department of Health & Human Services

	2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans - Chapters 3 & 4
	2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans - Full Version

*For informational purposes only.
Please consult your physician with any health questions or concerns.

Disclaimer

For informational purposes only.

Goetze's Candy Company is not claiming to be a health expert. All materials on this website are provided for informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. Please consult appropriate health and fitness professionals on any matter relating to their health and wellbeing. Any readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

The content on this site is meant to provide an entertaining introduction to living a balanced lifestyle. Its purpose is to help kids see that living healthy is not difficult, and to hopefully help them take a few simple steps in the right direction.

Enjoy healthy living!