Pediatric Recommendations: The 60-Minute Rule

Health authorities agree on one simple but powerful guideline for children’s well-being: daily movement. For ages 6–17, the recommendation is at least 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Most of this activity should be aerobic such as running, cycling, swimming, or active games while vigorous-intensity movement, along with muscle- and bone-strengthening activities like climbing, jumping, or resistance work, should be included at least three days per week. Preschool-aged children, meanwhile, are encouraged to be active throughout the day in developmentally appropriate play and movement (CDC, 2023; World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). These recommendations align across U.S. and international guidelines, underscoring the global consensus on the role of physical activity in lifelong health (Bull et al., 2020).

The rationale for these guidelines is grounded in extensive research. Meeting the 60-minute threshold supports healthy growth and development, builds stronger bones and muscles, and reduces risk factors for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Beyond physical health, regular activity also enhances cognitive function, supports emotional well-being, and contributes to improved sleep quality (Poitras et al., 2016). These multifaceted benefits demonstrate that physical activity is not just “exercise” but an essential component of childhood development.

Importantly, the 60-minute rule does not require perfection or rigid scheduling. The focus is on patterns rather than precision. Children can accumulate activity through recess, physical education classes, after-school play, organized sports, and unstructured weekend adventures. Even shorter bouts of activity add up toward the daily total, making it easier for families and schools to prioritize movement without feeling overwhelmed (CDC, 2023). This flexibility makes the recommendation achievable for diverse lifestyles and environments.

Schools and families play a central role in helping children meet these targets. At school, policies that support daily recess, high-quality physical education, and active learning environments provide natural opportunities for movement. At home, families can model active behaviors, encourage outdoor play, and plan active outings that make exercise enjoyable. When communities and caregivers collectively embrace these practices, children are more likely to meet activity recommendations consistently, reinforcing habits that extend into adulthood (Ekelund et al., 2021).

Ultimately, the 60-minute rule provides a clear, attainable benchmark for children’s health. By approaching it as a cumulative goal, built from many small, daily opportunities for movement, families, educators, and communities can foster resilience, physical literacy, and long-term well-being. Far from being another item on a checklist, this recommendation offers a framework for raising healthier, more active generations.