Physical activity levels - moderate and vigorous intensity
In the UK, the four home countries' chief medical officers have issued guidelines for how much physical activity people should do. This is a simplified version.
| Age group | Amount | Intensity | Examples |
| Infants | Not specified | Any intensity | Floor-based play, water-based play, crawling |
| Under 5s - walking | At least 180 minutes spread across the day | Light or energetic | Walking, skipping, climbing, chasing |
| 5-18 years | At least 60 minutes per day | Moderate to vigorous | Running, dancing, cycling, swimming, active games |
| 19-64 years | At least 150 minutes per week, eg 5 脳 30 minutes | Moderate to vigorous | Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, gardening |
| Over 65s | At least 150 minutes per week, eg 5 脳 30 minutes | Moderate to vigorous | Brisk walking, dancing, climbing stairs, tai chi |
| Age group | Infants |
|---|---|
| Amount | Not specified |
| Intensity | Any intensity |
| Examples | Floor-based play, water-based play, crawling |
| Age group | Under 5s - walking |
|---|---|
| Amount | At least 180 minutes spread across the day |
| Intensity | Light or energetic |
| Examples | Walking, skipping, climbing, chasing |
| Age group | 5-18 years |
|---|---|
| Amount | At least 60 minutes per day |
| Intensity | Moderate to vigorous |
| Examples | Running, dancing, cycling, swimming, active games |
| Age group | 19-64 years |
|---|---|
| Amount | At least 150 minutes per week, eg 5 脳 30 minutes |
| Intensity | Moderate to vigorous |
| Examples | Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, gardening |
| Age group | Over 65s |
|---|---|
| Amount | At least 150 minutes per week, eg 5 脳 30 minutes |
| Intensity | Moderate to vigorous |
| Examples | Brisk walking, dancing, climbing stairs, tai chi |
Moderate intensity activity 鈥 makes someone breathe harder, feel warmer and their heart beat more rapidly but they should still be able to hold a conversation.
Vigorous intensity activity 鈥 makes them breathe much harder, feel hotter and their heart beat much more rapidly so they will find it more difficult to hold a conversation.
This will depend on the individual's current level of fitness as well as the type and duration of physical activity. Any physical activity is better than none.
Question
Does walking, cycling or scooting to school count towards a child's daily physical activity target?
Yes. These are examples of moderate intensity activity if the walking is brisk.