Originally published in TEACH Magazine, September/October 2018 Issue
The Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines recommend that children aged 5 to 17 accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. A recent ParticipACTION report found that only 35 percent of kids in this age group meet that goal. It is important to encourage kids to move and develop an understanding of health and fitness that will carry on into adulthood. Here are some apps that can help kids reach that physical activity target.
7-Minute Workout for Kids
(Paid – iOS)
This 7-minute workout app by ExactLead provides high-intensity interval-training for kids. Using only their own bodyweight, children can do a full-body workout as they follow the movements of the animation. Workouts target endurance, strength, and flexibility. The whole family can join in on the exercises, including jumping jacks, push-ups, abdominal crunches, squats, and more.
Super Stretch Yoga
(Free – iOS, Android, Website)
Super Stretch Yoga provides a kid-friendly guide to 12 different yoga poses and lots of gentle encouragement to get moving. Each pose is introduced by Super Stretch, a superhero. Between each pose, kids are encouraged to take a moment to breathe deeply.
Sworkit Kids
(Free – iOS, Android, Website)
Sworkit Kids makes physical activity possible any time, anywhere. The app provides video and verbal instructions on how to complete age-appropriate exercises. The app features kids in their videos, making it easy for users to follow along. The customizable workouts target strength, agility, flexibility, and balance. The app uses a scientifically proven technique of combining interval training with randomized exercises. Data is collected at the end of each exercise, including elapsed time and calories burned, and can be synced with the iOS Health app.
Walkr
(Free – iOS, Android)
Walkr is a space-themed adventure game where players earn energy points for their spaceship by walking in real life. Steps are recorded via the player’s phone pedometer. A little alien gives instructions via text-like bubbles. There are over 30 missions, 25 planets, dozens of creatures, and upgraded spaceships for players to acquire.
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