It’s hard for kids to exercise with so many distractions, from video games to computers, and the fattening of America taking place at an increasing rate. Today, kids are more out of shape and unfit than any other time in history.

“I think it is important for high school students to have exercise, it just helps the student community look better,” said Evan Austin.

In major studies during the last 10 years, children from the ages of six to 17 scored low in the areas of strength, flexibility, and cardio respiratory endurance. Due to increasingly long periods of watching TV and playing electronic games, combined with inactive parents, these combinations were connected as major sources of the lack of exercise.

“It’s about each of us, in our own families, in our own communities, standing up and demanding more for our kids,” Michelle Obama said.

Children, teenagers, and adults need to have at least 30 minutes of activity each day. However, it’s estimated that only one in three American children participate in daily physical activity. Also, one-fourth of all adults and young people from the ages of 12 to 21 are getting no exercise at all.

“If you don’t do what best for your body, you’re the one who comes up on the short end,” said Julius Erving.

Physical activity does not need to last longer than 30-45 minutes, but should be scheduled on a regular basis. One of the best ways to increase the fitness of a family is by exercising together. Variety of activity is important to keeping all family members enjoying exercise. The older the children are, the more important it is for them to exercise. Motivation must come from the parents through example, creative activities, and persistence.