Why these Guidelines are important
Welcome to the CSEP Guidelines information hub, featuring the latest updates and resources for the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines: An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep.
Physical activity is a foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Yet increasingly we are seeing that Canadians of all ages are choosing sedentary activities over active ones. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with the right balance of physical activity and rest, plays an important role in Canadians’ overall health, well-being, and quality of life, regardless of age.
Evidence shows that sleep, sedentary behaviour and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) are associated with improving risk for chronic disease. More recently, light physical activity (LPA) consistent activities of daily living, has also been shown to have a positive effect on health.
Because an increase in the amount of time spent in any one of these movement-related behaviours that comprise a 24-hour day will change the amount of time spent in another, emerging research has considered how they may interact to influence health. These time-use factors have highlighted the importance of all movement behaviours across the whole day (24-hour period).
Canada has developed 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, providing guidance on the optimal amount of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep – and the best combination of these behaviours – for Canadians of all ages.
All types of movement matter, and a balance is best for health
Amount of tummy time recommended for infants not yet mobile.
Amount of energetic play recommended for preschoolers every day.
Recommended screen time limit for toddlers and preschoolers over 2 years old.
Get the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines
Early Years (0-4)
Infants, toddlers and preschoolers need to Move, Sleep and Sit the right amounts. View guidelines
Children + Youth (5-17)
Guidelines encourage kids to Sweat, Step, Sleep and Sit the right amounts each day. View guidelines
Adults (18-64)
Guidelines to help adults move more, reduce sedentary time, and sleep well. View guidelines
Adults (65+)
Guidelines to help adults move more, reduce sedentary time, and sleep well. View guidelines
Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for special populations
Pregnancy
Evidence-based guideline that outlines the right amount of physical activity women should get throughout pregnancy to promote maternal, fetal, and neonatal health.
View guidelinesMultiple Sclerosis
Guidelines for adults (aged 18-64 years) with minimal to moderate disability resulting from either remitting or progressive forms of multiple sclerosis.
View guidelinesGuidelines news and updates
Keep up-to-date on the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines with the latest articles, research and initiatives.

Canada’s First Ever 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults Help Make the Whole Day Matter
TORONTO, ON, October 15, 2020 / CNW / – The first ever 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults show Canadians what... View Article

Practicing healthy movement behaviours in the COVID-19 era
Every Step Counts! Help Celebrate World Physical Activity Day – April 6, 2020 Each year on April 6th , the... View Article

Expert Panel: Cancer Treatment Plans Should Include Tailored Exercise Prescriptions
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology is the Canadian partner on the development of new recommendations for incorporating exercise into Cancer... View Article

Development for the world’s first 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults and Older Adults underway
OTTAWA, June 19, 2019 – Physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Yet increasingly we are seeing that... View Article

Physical activity throughout pregnancy enhances physical and mental health and reduces risk of pregnancy complications
Physical activity is a critical component of achieving a healthy pregnancy according to a new joint Society of Obstetricians and... View Article

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for children in their early years released
November 20, 2017 – The world’s first evidence-based 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (ages 0-4 years), released today,... View Article
Terminology A to Z
Not sure what we mean by the movement continuum? Need to know the difference between light, medium and vigorous-intensity physical activity? The Guidelines Glossary of Terms has the answers.
View Glossary
Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for ADULTS
COMMUNICATIONS TOOLKIT
To support the national launch of the new Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, the Public Health Agency of Canada and Queen’s University have teamed up with ParticipACTION to develop this Communications Toolkit.
The toolkit is designed to support partners and stakeholders in their efforts to share additional tools and resources with their networks. Contains the Guidelines, Key Messages, Newsletter/Email Content, Social Media Posts and Graphics, a Poster and Infographics.

About CSEP
The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) is the resource for translating advances in exercise science research into the promotion of fitness, performance, and health outcomes for Canadians. CSEP sets the highest standards for qualified exercise professionals through evidence-based practice and certification. See what drives us