The health and fitness world is chock-full of information for people of all ages. Yet, a lot of that information can be contradictory, confusing, or just plain wrong. (Truth #1: You don’t need a six-pack to be happy. Truth #2: You don’t need to slog away on an elliptical every day to get in shape.)
We’re here to explain why exercise and fitness are important for teenagers, and how what you do to stay healthy can take on many different shapes and forms. We’ll also dive into the various—and unexpected benefits—of adopting a regular fitness routine, along with tips and tricks to build motivation, form habits, and have fun.
Let’s start with this stat: From the 1970’s up until present day, the prevalence of overweight and obese teenagers (ages 12–19) increased from 6.1% to 18.4%, and that number is still growing. What’s more, if you’re overweight as a teenager, that increases your risk for heart disease and other chronic illnesses as you age, and makes getting back to a healthy weight harder to achieve.
But exercise shouldn’t be only about avoiding obesity and feeling bad when you step on the scale. Let’s also look at the awesome benefits: exercise produces brain chemicals called endorphins, which make you feel elated and happy. Fitness also promotes better sleep (and as a teen, you need a solid 9-10 hours a night), and keeps your bones strong. There are mental health benefits as well. Exercise is known to ward off stress and anxiety, help with depression, and boost self-acceptance and esteem.
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to a fitness regime. And that’s the true beauty of it! Varying your workouts, trying new things, and challenging your body in different ways prevents boredom, keeps things fun, and helps your body stay in shape.
The most effective exercise routines are comprised of three elements: aerobics, strength training, and flexibility. It’s recommended teens get 60 minutes of exercise in a day, so keep things varied and make sure you’re also incorporating rest! Here are some fitness ideas to get you started:
Exercise shouldn’t be seen as a chore. Instead, it should be a fun addition to your daily routine. Remember: Exercise helps keep you healthy, promotes a better mood, and can even help with building friendships and community! Keep these tips in mind when working on building a fitness habit into your life:
Remember—exercising and staying active is part of a large picture of good health. In addition to exercise, make sure you are also eating well, getting enough sleep, and reducing bad habits (like sitting in front of the TV while eating, spending hours scrolling through your phone, or not hydrating before or after your workouts!).
Now, get moving! And remember to have fun with it, knowing you’re doing your body and mind a lot of good.
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