Getting your kids active and physically fit may be a bit easier with the help of the MyActivity Pyramid, a guide to physical activity for children ages 6 to 11 developed by University of Missouri-Columbia Extension health educators. “We really want kids to be active up to several hours a day,” said Steve Ball, assistant professor of exercise physiology and a state fitness specialist. “Regular physical activity is important to overall health, and school-aged children need at least 60 minutes every day.” With a design similar to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPyramid food guide, MyActivity Pyramid will seem familiar to kids. The cartoon-like drawings and multiple activity levels in the MyActivity Pyramid show kids what kind of activity they need and how much.

Everyday activities

As often as possible

• Playing outside
• Helping with chores around the house or yard
• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
• Picking up toys
• Walking

Active aerobics and recreational activities

Three to five times a week

• Playing basketball
• Biking
• Playing baseball or softball
• Rollerblading
• Skateboarding
• Playing soccer
• Swimming
• Playground games
• Jumping rope

Flexibility and strength

Two to three times a week

• Practicing martial arts
• Rope climbing
• Stretching
• Practicing yoga
• Doing push-ups and pull-ups

Inactivity

Cut down

• Watching television
• Playing on the computer
• Sitting for too long
• Playing video games

Find your balance between food and fun

• Move more. Aim for at least 60 minutes every day, or most days.
• Walk, dance, bike, rollerblade - it all counts. How great is that!

Courtesy of the University of Missouri Extension, extension.missouri.edu .