By Chester Charter Scholars Academy Healthy Highlights reporters | A recent survey of 18 reporters revealed that half the students did heart-healthy exercises at least 60 minutes a day. 

However, five reporters said they did little or no physical activity on a typical day. 

The American Heart Association recommends that kids make their hearts stronger by exercising hard enough that they breathe faster and sweat. These are called aerobic activities. 

CCSA reporters said they work up a sweat by playing volleyball and basketball. They also box and dance. Other kinds of aerobic activities include swimming, running, and biking. 

Nia plays volleyball about one to two hours a day. “It makes me feel energized,” she said. 

Kimberly is also a volleyball player. “I am passionate about it. It sometimes makes my heart beat really fast. But it makes me feel happy and healthy.” 

Dancing is what Taylin likes to do.

“When I’m listening to music, I start to dance because I really like that song. It makes me feel nice.” 

Mia also said dance is her preferred physical activity. “It goes with my personality. It makes me feel energized and relaxed.” 

Taheer said he walks for an hour or more a day. “It gives my legs a good workout and it makes me faster.” 

But there are reasons the reporters say they don’t exercise–or don’t exercise more. Feeling lazy, being bored, and lacking motivation are three roadblocks. Injuries can be a problem. Families sometimes set limits about spending time outdoors or they require their students to do housework. 

You don’t need to exercise all at once. Medical experts say if you walk to school, you can include those minutes toward the 60-minute goal. Housework like taking out the garbage or sweeping the kitchen also count!

Illustration by Abigail, fourth grade, Hancock E.S., 2023–24.