Physical activity is about all the ways you move your body during the entire day. Movement may take place when at work, home, school, or in social settings. It may be part of what you do to get from one place to the other, such as walking, biking, or wheeling, or it may be a specific activity such as cleaning the house, playing a sport, hiking, or lifting boxes as part of your job. The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines tell you: how much physical activity or movement you need each day to be healthy, how much sleep you need, to spend less time being sedentary. (Sedentary means the amount of time you spend sitting or not moving. For example, when watching TV or checking social media.) There are different guidelines for different age groups. Click below to find out how to move more, sit less, sleep well, and make your whole day count.
Screen Time
Screen time is the time spent with any screen. This includes smartphone, tablets, gaming devices, computers and television. Screen time can occur during sedentary or active times. For more information on screen time recommendations see the Canadian 24 Hour Movement Guidelines
Sleep
Getting enough sleep is a vital part of a healthy 24 -hour day! Sleep is essential to the growth and development of children and teens. At any age, the amount and type of sleep we get affects our physical and mental health. As we get older, the amount of sleep we need will decrease. Recommended … Continued
Physical activity for older adults (65+)
Physical activity is an important part of healthy aging. It helps you stay strong, independent, and mentally well. Being physically active may help you lower your chance of having heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, falls, and some cancers. The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults ages 65 years and older recommends the right amount of … Continued
Physical activity for children (5-17)
The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth (ages 5-17 years) encourages children to ‘sweat, step, sleep and sit‘ the right amounts for a healthy 24 hours. Research shows that all movement behaviours that happen over a full day are important. Please visit CSEP for more detailed information.
Physical Activity for Children (0-4)
Young children need to move, sleep, and sit for the right amounts each day to be healthy, grow and develop. The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years is a resource for parents, caregivers and educators to understand the recommended daily amount of each. It is important for young children to learn basic or fundamental movement … Continued
Physical activity for adults (18-64)
Physical activity is essential for your health and well-being. Being active every day can help: The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults 18-64 years recommends the right amount of movement, sitting, and sleep. Physical activity is more than sports and exercise. All movement during the day counts – even standing. Sneak in extra activity by:
Published on: March 11, 2026
