When was the last time you jumped rope or ran around the block? If you can’t remember, you should consider exercising more frequently.

According to Fitnessgov “Facts and Statistics,” only 1- in -3 children are physically active every day which is problematic because that means many kids are not maintaining good physical health. A lack of exercise has become such a national problem that programs such as “Let’s Move,” an initiative created to address the epidemic of childhood obesity within generations, were established to fight the issue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013, surveyed how many high- school students participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity seven days a week and found only 27.1% participated in the physical activities, and only 29% attended physical education during the day because it was required.  Of the children studied who did get this exercise, basketball and running were the two most- popular activities among boys, followed by football, bike riding and walking. Girls’ most popular physical activities were running and walking, followed by basketball, dancing, and bike riding.

According to the CDC, childhood obesity rates have risen dramatically since 1980. This shows that actions towards promoting exercise haven’t been taken too seriously in order to stop the increase in obesity. In 1980, approximately seven percent of kids’ ages from 6 to 11 and five percent of kids from ages 12 to 19 were obese. By 2010, both percentages had jumped to 18 percent. Krista Sheehan wrote an article called “Percentages of Kids Who Don’t Exercise” and stated that, along with taking a closer look at children’s daily diets, people must also consider the alarming percentage of kids who do not get enough — or any – exercise.

The effects of not exercising can lead to a number of serious issues including cancer, diabetes, stroke, liver diseases, obesity, and depression (self-esteem issues).

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people get at least 60 minutes of moderate- to- vigorous physical activity most days of the week. They can go out jogging, swimming, dancing; anything that increases adrenaline production. This is important because participating in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity reduces health risks; plus you’re healthier and will soon be in better physical shape.

Schools could play a major part in promoting health and exercise in a more effective way. Schools should create more programs that insinuate the idea of exercising in a way that appeals to students. Not exercising can lead to many health problems, with the most serious being obesity. When kids are not exercising, they are sitting around and not doing anything that benefits them physically. So exercising on a daily basis is essential to maintaining good health and keeping children in shape.