Staying Active Through the Summer

Eva Timothy, Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor

We have reached the summer months when children are free from school schedules and homework. However, studies show that during these months of freedom youth experience an increase in body mass index levels and a decrease in moderate to vigorous physical activity (Pekmezi et al., n.d.). This could be due to several factors: the greater presence of screen time in homes, lack of childcare for working parents that leads to more child-led daily activities, or whether access to parks, walking and biking trails, outdoor splash pads, etcetera are available in communities (National Physical Activity Plan Alliance, 2018; Volmut et al., 2021; Harvard School of Public Health, 2016). Furthermore, access to safe outdoor play areas becomes more complicated when living in rural locations due to transportation and distance barriers or impoverished areas where crime rates are higher (Vu-Nguyen et al., 2016).

At this point, you might be wondering how much heart-pumping activity you and your child should be getting throughout the day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), youth ages 6-17 should engage in 60 minutes daily of any activity that increases their heart rate. For those ages 18-64, the CDC recommends roughly 30 minutes of physical exercise 5 days a week and 2 days of muscle-strengthening exercise (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Making physical activity fun can be a great way to help yourself and your child stay active. Think of childhood games that provide the physical activity needed. For instance, you could play tag in your yard instead of jogging in your neighborhood. You and your child could also learn to play a sport together. This will not only keep you both active but has the potential to boost your child’s confidence in their ability to succeed at new things.

USU Extension is joining in the effort to address the drop in summer physical activity levels for youth of all ages. In June of 2022, USU Extension implemented a virtual statewide Marathon Kids program. Marathon Kids not only encourages youth to stay active but includes their adult caregivers as well. Youth and adults can complete the miles necessary to finish a marathon by being physically active. Every 5 minutes of heart-pumping activity is tracked and recorded. For every 5 minutes completed, the participant gains a quarter of a mile toward their marathon goal. This is a fun way to bond as a family and stay active during the summer. The best part is that it’s free to participate. Visit USU Extension’s Marathon Kids page for more information and to learn how to get involved.  

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 2). How much physical activity do adults need? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm

Harvard School of Public Health. (2016, April 8). Environmental barriers to activity. Obesity Prevention Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-causes/physical-activity-environment/

National Physical Activity Plan Alliance. (2018). The 2018 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. Washington, DC.

Pekmezi, D., Trinh, L., Ehlers, D., & Moreno, J. (n.d.). Lazy Days of summer: How to keep children active all year long: SBM. Society of Behavioral Medicine. https://www.sbm.org/healthy-living/lazy-days-of-summer-how-to-keep-children-active-all-year-long

Volmut, T., Pišot, R., Planinšec, J., & Šimunič, B. (2021). Physical activity drops during summer holidays for 6- to 9-year-old children. Frontiers in Public Health, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.631141

Vu-Nguyen, K., Kukaswadia, A., & Moher, D. (2016). Evidence Brief: Barriers to physical activity for children and youth in Ontario. Toronto, ON; Public Health Ontario.