Exercise as Medicine: Why Kids Need Movement for Lifelong Health

Exercise isn’t just playtime for children—it’s a vital component of growth, development and overall well-being. Here, Dr. Webb Smith, clinical exercise physiologist at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, explains how physical activity not only prevents illness but can also be prescribed as part of a medical treatment plan for children, including those living with chronic conditions.

How Much Activity Do Kids Need?

The current guidelines recommend that children engage in 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Unlike adults, whose target is 150 minutes of exercise per week, children benefit from daily movement to support healthy growth. “Exercise and activity are a key stimulus for normal growth and development in kids,” Dr. Smith emphasizes.

This movement can be structured, such as sports or exercise programs, or unstructured, like riding bikes, swimming, or playing tetherball in the driveway. The key is consistent, daily activity.

Physical Activity vs. Exercise

Though often used interchangeably, physical activity and exercise are not the same. Physical activity includes any movement of the body, while exercise is more intentional and structured. “Exercise is really just a special case of physical activity,” Dr. Smith explains. It focuses on specific goals like building strength, endurance or flexibility, with measurable effects over time.

For example, if a child tires easily during sports, an exercise plan might include squats or cycling to strengthen muscles and prepare them for more demanding activities.

Health Benefits of Exercise

The benefits of exercise extend far beyond improved fitness. Dr. Smith pointed to conditions like diabetes and pre-diabetes, where research shows prescribed exercise can regulate glucose levels and improve muscle quality. “Exercise performs as well as our frontline medications, like metformin,” he noted. For children at risk, adopting an active lifestyle can prevent the progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes.

Prescribing Exercise for Kids

Whether for a child with a chronic illness or an aspiring athlete, the process starts with an assessment of baseline fitness. Clinicians measure aerobic capacity, strength and body composition to design a plan that challenges the child safely without risking injury or causing discouragement.

For children managing chronic conditions, exercise prescriptions are tailored to complement medical treatments. They consider factors like medication use, time demands from frequent appointments and the child’s interests to ensure plans are both effective and sustainable.

Making It Fun and Sustainable

Children are far more likely to stay active when they enjoy the activity. “That is the key difference from prescribing exercise in kids to adults,” notes Dr. Smith. Introducing kids to a variety of activities—from running to pickleball—encourages exploration and helps them develop lifelong exercise habits. Adaptive sports also make movement accessible for children with different abilities.

What Parents Can Do

Parents play a crucial role in shaping activity habits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time to one hour a day, which frees up time for physical play. Modeling healthy behavior—like family walks or games—helps children see exercise as a natural and enjoyable part of daily life.

“Being intentional about how you spend your time and how your child spends their time is a key point,” Dr. Smith advises. Monitoring activity levels, just like monitoring screen time, allows families to make adjustments before unhealthy patterns take root.

Movement as Medicine

Exercise is more than a lifestyle choice. It’s a prescription for health. Whether preventing chronic disease, supporting treatment or simply boosting confidence and social connections, regular movement is one of the best medicines children can receive.

As Dr. Smith puts it: “My goal is to help kids become lifelong exercisers.” By prioritizing fun, consistency, and family involvement, parents and clinicians together can set children on a path to healthier futures.