What is the Physical Activity Pyramid for Kids?

Fitness for Life: Elementary School uses the Physical Activity Pyramid for Kids to teach students about the types and amounts of physical activity they need for good health. The pyramid helps children learn about the five basic types of physical activity. Each activity type is represented by one step in the pyramid.

• Step 1 is for moderate physical activity (e.g., walking to school, helping in the garden, and performing basic household chores) and is colored orange.
• Step 2 is for vigorous aerobic activity (e.g., jogging, swimming, biking) and is colored green.
• Step 3 is for vigorous sports and recreation (e.g., tennis soccer, hiking) and is colored red.
• Step 4 is for muscle fitness exercises (e.g., elastic band exercises, calisthenics, rock climbing) and is colored blue.
• Step 5 is for flexibility activities (e.g., stretching exercises, yoga, gymnastics) and is colored purple.

The pyramid shown here is a small version of the Physical Activity Pyramid for Kids that is available as a full-size poster with the Fitness for Life: Elementary School program.