Michelle Obama On How To Get Our Kids Active

This morning, First Lady Michelle Obama shared the goals of her Let's Move campaign and her hopes of conquering the childhood obesity epidemic in her first-ever live chat.

Nearly 10 million children and adolescents in the United States ages 6 to 19 are considered overweight, and one of the factors having a huge impact on childhood obesity is physical activity -- or lack thereof. The decrease, and in some cases disappearance, of physical education in schools across the country is something that many of our readers were concerned about.

Mrs. Obama acknowledged the fact that phys ed is now considered "extracurricular," rather than a requirement and many school face challenges providing these classes due to lack of funding.

"Exercise not an option," Obama said during her interview with AOL Health senior editor Jennifer Fields. "For our kids to be successful academically, they need to be successful physically."

Currently, very few states require daily physical education in grades K-12, and only five states require PE consistently from K-12. The first lady expressed that she would like to see the number of schools double in a challenge increase physical activity and provide healthier foods.

"We need to make sure [physical activity] isn't a strain. Kids can get the recommended 60 minutes of activity a day by going outside and playing, jumping rope or dancing," the first lady said. "If kids are looking forward to recess and gym, with activities like duck-duck-goose and tag, they can find themselves getting fit without realizing it."

We want to hear from you! Tell us whether your schools physical activity programs are doing enough to keep our kids healthy.