Moving every day: what it changes
An hour of activity a day, split up, is enough. What matters is not performance but habit — and it forms early.
What movement builds
In children, physical activity works on bones, muscles, coordination and sleep. Activities in which the body carries its own weight — running, jumping, climbing — put healthy load on the bones during the years when bone is being built.
The benefit for falling asleep and sleep quality is one of the quickest to notice.
The one-hour-a-day guideline
The internationally recognised guideline is at least sixty minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a day for children and adolescents.
This hour doesn't need to be continuous or structured. Walking to school, break time, playing in the garden and Wednesday sport all add up.
Reducing sitting time, as much as adding sport
Time spent sitting counts regardless of the sport practised. A child who does two hours of club sport a week but sits the rest of the time does not reach the guideline.
Breaking up long periods of sitting — getting up every half hour during homework — is as useful as adding a session.
Finding what lasts
The activity that makes a difference is the one the child keeps doing. Enjoyment and being with friends weigh more than the choice of discipline.
If an activity is dropped, it is better to look for another one than to insist: the goal is the habit, not performance.
Precautions
Adapt intensity to age, make sure your child drinks enough and respect recovery times.
- Sixty minutes a day, split up, is enough.
- Activities in which the body carries its own weight put healthy load on the bones.
- Reducing sitting time counts as much as adding sport.
- The activity that works is the one your child wants to keep doing.
This information is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. For any question about your child's health, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
14 days to change your mind Customer service you can reach All prices include VAT Your data protected Your rights as a buyer, clearly explained
All our tips