American kids aren’t getting the exercise they need, according to a study by the YMCA. The study, which surveyed more than 1,600 parents with children ages 5 to 10, found that 58 percent of kids spend less than four days a week playing outside. Researchers say there are plenty of reasons why kids aren’t getting outside to play more. One of the most important, though, is that going outside takes families away from all the cool stuff they have inside. Parents say that it’s more convenient to spend time with the home TV or computer than spend time in the backyard. Other parents said that with the recession taking a bite out of the family budget they had to cut back on money they spent on extracurricular sports for their kids such as baseball and soccer. YMCA officials say that’s no excuse. “Getting 60 minutes of exercise doesn’t have to come from sports or things that cost money,” said YMCA’s U.S. Director of Chronic Disease Prevention Matt Longjohn. “It could be taking a walk, or choosing to walk up stairs instead of taking an elevator, for example. It doesn’t have to be organized.” (Reuters)