Children’s mental health has declined significantly over the past several decades. Nearly one in five US youth is obese. Recognizing the important role of exercise in the health and wellness of young people, the American Heart Association (AHA) is partnering with the NFL on a program to encourage youth to be physically active for 60 minutes per day.
Over the course of its 15 years of existence, NFL Play 60 has given millions of children and their families access to resources to help them stay active. Among these is the NFL Play 60 app. Using the app, youth can play games that involve movement, as well as create customized workouts. The more they exercise, the more Play points they earn to purchase gear for their personalized digital avatars.
Do you know of any young football fans who want to exercise along with NFL stars? Point them toward the NFL Play 60 Exercise Library. Available on AHA’s website, the library’s videos feature NFL teams, players, cheerleaders, and mascots demonstrating exercises. For the ultimate workout experience, youth can create a personalized playlist consisting of their favorite videos.
Teachers, meanwhile, can get their classes moving by registering for NFL Play 60 Fitness Break Broadcasts. These interactive, 15-minute broadcasts encourage youth to exercise while teaching them the importance of physical activity. The next Fitness Break will broadcast ahead of the Super Bowl on February 6, 2025. Teachers can sign up on AHA’s website.
NFL Play 60 is not the only collaboration between the NFL and AHA. A Nation of Lifesavers, a program that launched after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s life was saved thanks to the swift administration of CPR, focuses on providing CPR training across the country. In October, Hamlin and 11 other NFL players were announced as members of this year’s Lifesaver Ambassador Class.