Build your body—and your mind

Children and adolescents ages 6-17 are urged to do 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day.

Most of the 60 minutes or more should be either moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and should include vigorous-intensity activity at least three days a week.

Youths also should include muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening activities at least three days a week.

Students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, cognitive performance, such as memory, and classroom behaviors, such as on-task behavior.

Sources: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Journal of School Health