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How much exercise does my child need each day?

Edusky Private School · Parents' Guide · Last reviewed: 2026-10-18

In short

- Children should do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.[1]
- More than 60 minutes brings extra benefits.[1]
- Muscle and bone-strengthening activities are needed at least three times a week.[1]
- Walking, running and anything that makes the heart beat faster all count.[2]

The WHO recommendation

The World Health Organization recommends that children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 should do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.[1] In the US, the CDC notes that children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 need to be active for at least 60 minutes every day.[2]

The WHO also notes that physical activity of amounts more than 60 minutes daily provides additional health benefits.[1]

Muscle and bone strengthening

The WHO recommends that children should include activities that strengthen muscle and bone, at least 3 times per week.[1] The CDC describes muscle-strengthening activities as climbing or doing push-ups, and bone-strengthening activities as jumping or running.[2][2]

Simple ways to reach 60 minutes

The CDC says most of the 60 minutes can be activities such as walking, running, or anything that makes children's hearts beat faster.[2] Some ideas for fitting activity into the day:

- Walking or cycling to school (15–20 minutes each way)
- Active play at break time (15–20 minutes)
- Running around after school (20–30 minutes)
- A family walk or bike ride in the evening (20–30 minutes)

Weekends offer more time for longer activities: a swim, a trip to the park, or a family hike.

FAQ

Does walking to school count as exercise?

Yes. The CDC says most of the daily 60 minutes can include activities such as walking.[2] If the walk is 15 minutes each way, that is 30 minutes towards the goal.[1]

What counts as muscle-strengthening activity?

The CDC notes that muscle-strengthening activities for children include climbing or doing push-ups, at least 3 days a week.[2] Bone-strengthening activities include jumping or running.[2]

Is 60 minutes enough if my child plays sports every day?

The WHO's figure is at least 60 minutes a day.[1] The WHO notes that more than 60 minutes daily provides additional health benefits.[1] If your child enjoys sport and does more, the WHO notes extra health benefits.[1]

Sources

Sources last verified: 2026-10-18

  1. World Health Organization. Physical activity (Be Healthy). https://www.who.int/initiatives/behealthy/physical-activity. Accessed 2026-10-18.
  2. CDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Physical Activity Basics: Physical Activity for Children. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/children.html. Accessed 2026-10-18.

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About Edusky: a KPM-registered private primary school (SMIPS JDA1001) in Taman Adda Height, Johor Bahru. Standard 1 to 6 on Malaysia's national curriculum, in classes of about 15, with after-school care until 6pm on weekdays.

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