Kids' activity pyramid aims for an interesting mix
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Fitness experts have given a familiar physical activity guide for kids a splashy new look and a new name.
They're hoping that MyActivity Pyramid, redesigned to match the MyPyramid developed by the US Department of Agriculture to replace the old Food Guide Pyramid, will encourage kids to get the exercise they need and have fun doing it.
"It's just a way to show kids rather than tell kids how they can get their activity," Steve Ball, an assistant professor of exercise physiology at the University of Missouri-Columbia Extension, told Reuters Health.
The exercise recommendations, targeted to children aged 6 to 11, haven't changed from older versions of the pyramid, he notes. But while the standard recommendation for children is for at least one hour of activity daily, Ball said, kids really need much more. "Most kids are still getting this kind of minimum 60 minutes, but obesity rates are going up."
MyActivity Pyramid is made up of four layers intended to reflect kids' natural inclination to be active in a variety of ways, he adds. "We don't really want to promote continuous vigorous exercise for kids, because that can almost turn them off to it," he explained. "As parents, as teachers and administrators at schools, we need to provide kids with multiple opportunities to be active."
Everyday activities like walking, helping with chores, and climbing stairs are recommended "as often as possible," and make up the pyramid's base.
Next are Active Aerobics and Recreational Activities, exercise that boosts the heart rate and raises a sweat, such as jumping rope, playing basketball or soccer, and swimming, recommended at least three to five times a week.
Flexibility and Strength activities, such as yoga, rope climbing, push-ups and pull-ups and stretching, make up the next layer and should be done at least two or three times a week.
"Inactivity" is at the pyramid's tip, and consists of playing video games, watching TV, and playing on the computer, which kids are urged to "cut down."
Given the increased homework load many kids face and the need to use computers, Ball notes, limiting inactivity can be tough. "Usually the stat that I use is no more than two hours of screen time a day, but a lot of people would say that's impossible."
MyActivity Pyramid is available online at http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/hesguide/foodnut/n00386.htm.
Source: www.checkfreshnews.com
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