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Physical Activity Guidelines

All Physical Activity Guidelines Content

Children wearing life jackets while swimming in a lake.

My child doesn’t do sports. How can I help them be more active?

Some children love sports, while others thrive being active in other ways. By keeping movement fun and pressure-free, you can help your child build healthy habits that support their well-being for years to come.

Group of youth with hiking gear standing atop a hill.

How Can I Encourage My Kids to Be Active Without Nagging or Forcing It?

When kids feel confident and free to explore activities they enjoy, physical activity becomes something they choose, not something they are forced to do.

Group of young students touring the SDSU campus.
Jul 05

Virtual 5K

SDSU Extension is inviting you to join our Virtual 5K to complete anytime during the week of July 5–11—at your own pace, on your own time.

Family jogging together on a rural exercise trail.

Physical Activity

Everyone can benefit from moving their bodies more throughout each day, and all types of activity count towards your daily goal.

Children sampling local produce in a school cafeteria.

Healthy Families & Communities

Healthy Families & Communities focuses on improving health outcomes in rural and tribal communities by promoting healthier nutrition and physical activity behaviors, while also increasing access to nutritious foods and opportunities for physical activity.

Group of children preparing for a summer swimming lesson outside the SDSU Wellness Center.

How much physical activity does my child or teen need? How much is too much?

Physical activity plays a crucial role in development for children and teens, and it's important to understand how much they need each day while also protecting them from overload and burnout.

Dance video game on a monitor at the SDSU eSports lounge.

Do Active Video Games Count as Physical Activity for Kids?

Active video games, sometimes called exergames, are marketed as a way to turn screen time into physical activity time. These games can be a good option for increasing activity time in youth, but they have their limits.

Lemmon SD, A busy Main Street during the 2019 Energize Conference

South Dakota Active Transportation Network

The purpose of the South Dakota Active Transportation Network is to bring together and equip partners statewide to address barriers to safe, active transportation.

Group of older adults practicing tai chi

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a safe and effective form of exercise that requires no equipment and can be performed in almost any setting.

Community wellness coalition meeting in a board room.

What Is a Wellness Coalition?

Learn answers to some common questions about community wellness coalitions and SDSU Extension's supporting programming and services.