Move Your Body

Your body was built to move. Every time you run, jump, dance, or climb, your heart gets stronger, your muscles grow, and your bones harden like they are training for the future. Kids your age do best with about an hour of movement a day - and it never has to be one long workout. Recess counts. Walking the dog counts. A living-room dance party definitely counts.

Movement helps your brain as much as your body. After active play, blood flows better to your brain, and many kids find it easier to focus, remember, and even fall asleep at night. Moving also makes your brain release feel-good chemicals, which is why a grumpy mood often melts after ten minutes outside.

The secret is picking movement you actually like. Hate running? Bike. Hate bikes? Swim, skate, hike, play tag, shoot hoops. The best exercise is the one you will do again tomorrow, so treat it like trying new foods: sample lots, keep your favorites.