What counts as muscle-strengthening activity?

For young people, muscle-strengthening activities are those that require them to lift their own body weight or to work against a resistance, such as climbing a rope.

Examples of muscle-strengthening activities suitable for children include:

• games such as tug of war
• swinging on playground equipment bars
• gymnastics
• rope or tree climbing
• sit-ups, press ups etc.
• gymnastics
• football
• rugby
• tennis

Examples of muscle-strengthening activities suitable for young people include:

• sit-ups, press ups etc.
• gymnastics
• resistance exercises with exercise bands, weight machines or hand-held weights
• rock climbing
• football
• basketball
• tennis

Children and young people should take part in activities that are appropriate for their age and stage of development.