Skip to content

Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is one of the most important ways to ensure good health. With students and school staff spending most of their days at school, it’s vital that schools support physical activity wherever possible.

The World Health Organization recommends that adults aged 18 – 64 get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children and adolescents ages 6 – 17 engage in 60 minutes or more of physical activity every single day.

Physical education programs in schools are also an important medium for supporting physical activity and health. They provide cognitive content and instruction designed to develop motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors for physical activity and physical fitness.

Benefits of Physical Activity

Research shows that regular physical activity is good for your health and leads to these benefits:

  • Improving strength and endurance
  • Improved circulatory system
  • Healthier bones and muscles
  • Reduced risk of developing obesity and related chronic diseases
  • Reduced stress and greater mental health
  • Improved concentration and attentiveness
  • Better sleep
  • Better academic performance
Kids running on grass

By finding creative ways to integrate physical activity into the school day, exercise can become part of the daily routine for everyone in the school community.

Resources

Explore more Physical Health topics

Vaping and Tobacco Prevention

Healthy Eating

Back To Top
Search