Physical Activity Guidelines: Young People (13 -17 yrs)

The first in a series of stories featuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines  for various age groups as provided by the Australian Government, Department of Health.

Australia’s Physical Activity & Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Young People (13 -17 years)

As young people move through school, start work and become more independent, being physically active and limiting sedentary behaviour every day is not always easy, but it is possible and it is important. These guidelines are for all young people, irrespective of cultural background, gender or ability.

The Make your move – Sit less – Be active for life! brochure  presents the guidelines and provides further information and advice about physical activity and sedentary behaviour (sitting) for young people.

Physical Activity Guidelines

• For health benefits, young people aged 13–17 years should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity every day.
• Young peoples’ physical activity should include a variety of aerobic activities, including some vigorous intensity activity.
• On at least three days per week, young people should engage in activities that strengthen muscle and bone.
• To achieve additional health benefits, young people should engage in more activity – up to several hours per day.

Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines

• To reduce health risks, young people aged 13–17 years should minimise the time they spend being sedentary every day. To achieve this:
  • Limit use of electronic media for entertainment (e.g. television, seated electronic games and computer use) to no more than two hours a day – lower levels are associated with reduced health risks.
  • Break up long periods of sitting as often as possible.

Source
Australian Government, Department of Health

To read more on the Physical Activity Guidelines and other interesting articles,
go to Physical Activity