Doctors recommend that kids should be physically active for at least 60 minutes each day.  Between school, homework and afterschool functions, it can be hard to find time during your child’s day to make sure that they are active and this isn’t even including your busy schedule! So how do you fit in 60 minutes of exercise? Here are five tips:

1. Remind your child that physical activity is fun!

Physical activity doesn’t have to be hard or boring. Riding bikes, skipping rope and running around the park are all great methods of exercise. Games such as tag, hide-and-go-seek, capture the flag, etc. are all great ways to keep your players active and keep their heart, muscles and bones strong.

2. Make a list of games!

Not everyone shares a favorite physical activity. Some enjoy hiking or a game of basketball, others enjoy yoga or dancing, but what’s really fun is sharing your favorite activities with others! Make a list of activities or games that are new and exciting to try for your kiddos and make a point to try a new one each week.

3. Limit TV consumption

The period between after school and before dinner can be a giant black hole of video games, TV and SMART technology if kids don’t have a set activity to do. While video games and watching TV aren’t bad things, they also help make kids less physically active. It’s best to only allow two hours or less of TV a day. Keep track of how much TV your child is watching and encourage other activities, like going for a bike ride,

4. Change it up!

Avoid the workout rut by switching up your child’s “workout.” Try and incorporate new exercises to do every few weeks so that you can avoid a slump of boredom.

5. Break it up!

Remember that 60 minutes of exercise doesn’t have to mean 60 minutes of consecutive exercise. As long as your child is getting a healthy dose of exercise each day and their heart rate is raised, then they’re doing well!