It’s the first official week of summer! It’s time to put down the TV remote or the video game controller, and get outside for some summer fun.

How Much Activity Is Enough?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week. This may sound like a lot of time, but it’s not. That’s 2 hours and 30 minutes – which is shorter than most movies. The good news is that you don’t have to be active all at once.

When it comes to kids, the CDC more than doubles the adult recommendation. Children and teenagers are encouraged to get at least an hour of active play each day.

Take It Outside

Outdoor activity boosts kids’ immunity and promotes strong bones. It helps maintain a healthy weight too.

A study of older adults found that those who exercised outside exercised longer and more often than indoor exercisers. Researchers found that people who exercised outside were more active than those who worked out indoors, completing an average of 30 minutes more exercise each week.

Planning Family Fun

When the family is involved in exercise together, children learn that being active is fun. Busy parents can combine family time with exercise time. To get started, try these tips:

• As a family, make a list of fun activities to do together.
• Make sure the activities are things everyone can do.
• Keep a family activity log or calendar.
• Try to plan 2-3 outdoor activities a week.

Whether you hike, swim or ride your bike, outdoor activities help adults and kids lead healthy lives. When the family is involved in physical activities together, children learn that being active is fun and makes them feel good.