Guidelines

The latest physical activity guidelines, published in July 2011, outline the amount of physical activity that all children should do to benefit their health.

For the under fives the physical activity guidelines are:

• Physical activity should be encouraged from birth, particularly through floor-based play and water-based activities in safe environments.
• Children of pre-school age who are capable of walking unaided should be physically active daily for at least 180 minutes (3 hours), spread throughout the day.
• All under fives should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (being restrained or sitting) for extended periods (except time spent sleeping)

The physical activity guidelines for children and young people aged 5-18 years are :

•  All children and young people should engage in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes and up to several hours every day.
• Vigorous intensity activities, including those that strengthen muscle and bone, should be incorporated at least three days a week.
• All children and young people should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (sitting) for extended periods. 

For more about the UK physical activity guidelines and information about support and dissemination please go to www.bhfactive.org.uk/guidelines