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  • Current: How much physical activity for your adolescent?

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How much physical activity for your adolescent?

How much physical activity for your adolescent?

Physical activity Sedentary behaviour

At  least 60 minutes every day doing things that make their heart beat faster including:

  • Vigorous-intensity activities (at least 3 days a week)
  • Activities that strengthen muscle and bone (at least 3 days a week)
  • Limit recreational screen time to no more than 2 hours a day
  • Limit sedentary (motorized) transport, sitting time, and time indoors 
 

Be active every day

  • Physical activity for children and youth
  • When is my children ready for sports?

Eat well

  • Dieting: Information for parents, teachers and coaches
  • Dieting: Information for teens
  • Canada’s Food Guide
  • Nutrition for your young athlete

Be smart with screens

  • Screen time and digital media

Sleep well

  • Teens and sleep: Why you need it and how to get enough
What being active means How to increase physical activity How to reduce sedentary behaviour

Moderate-intensity physical activities include: bike riding, playground activities, skateboarding, brisk walking, hiking, canoeing, baseball and softball. 

Vigorous-intensity physical activities include:
running, swimming, aerobics, basketball, vigorous dancing, ice or field hockey.

Activities that strengthen muscle and bone include: games like hopscotch, tag, and jumping rope; sports such as gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, tennis; push-ups; swinging on playground equipment or bars; climbing ropes, walls or trees; running.

  • Play active games (e.g., tag, jump rope)
  • Visit playground after school
  • Treasure hunt in a local outdoor space
  • Walk or sled in the park
  • “Puddle hop” on a rainy day
  • Increase active transportation to school                                                      
  • Set rules to limit after school screen time
  • Keep screens out of bedrooms
  • Increase active transportation to school
  • Visit friends instead of texting
  • Walk family or neighbour’s dog
  • Stand up and move around after long periods of sitting

More tools for you

  • The ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth (2018)
  • Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Children and Youth (5-17 years)
  • Additional resources in your community. 

Last updated: April 2020

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