Guidelines for Physical Activity Across the Lifespan

Preschool Children

All preschool children should participate every day in a form of physical activity appropriate for their developmental level and physical health status. This should occur in the context of home, preschool, day care or other care giving settings.

Free play designed to provide opportunities for each child to develop fundamental motor skills and to reach his or her potential at his or her own rate is preferable to structured sessions.

As much free play as possible should take place in a safe outdoor environment.

In structured sports programs, participation and enjoyment should be emphasized rather than competition and victory.

Emphasis should be placed on the promotion of physical activity as a natural and lifelong activity of healthy living. Setting, format, rules, and equipment should be modified accordingly.

Sedentary behaviors such as watching television or videos should be kept to a minimum (no more than 1 hour per day total).

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