• Newsletters
  • Subscribe
/
1x
Fitness

Are your kids getting enough exercise?

A new Canadian study says that even very young kids are turning into couch potatotes. "These children are zero to four, so we consider it part of their DNA to move.
By Kari Pritchard
Add Chatelaine(opens in a new tab)
Girl Swinging On Rope Masterfile

A new Canadian study says that even very young kids are turning into couch potatotes. "These children are zero to four, so we consider it part of their DNA to move. But we're finding more and more are actually sedentary," said Kelly Murumets, president and CEO of ParticipACTION. Researchers found that children under four spent around three-quarters of their time sitting and had excessive screen time in front of computers, TVs or video games.

Expert advice: The research inspired new guidelines from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology: Children under one should play throughout the day, those one to four should get 180 minutes of physical activity daily, and all kids shouldn't be inactive for more than an hour at a time. "It's really about play and letting kids be kids," said Murumets.

The very best of Chatelaine straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Copy link

More Like This

What Is Hyrox—And Why Is Everyone Doing One?
Health

What Is Hyrox—And Why Is Everyone Doing One?

The intensely popular fitness race is now held in more than 30 countries around the world. Here's what you need to know.
Chatelaine Summer 2026 cover, featuring a woman biting into a burger.

Subscribe to Chatelaine!

Sandwiches! Sundaes! Jello shots! Plus the lowdown on the female desire pill, women who hit major life milestones at 50 and guest editor Meredith Shaw's all-Canadian summer lookbook.