No matter what your age, fitness is important. That’s especially true of teenagers. Unfortunately, many physical activities that were once part of teen lives have been replaced with screen time on a phone, laptop, or iPad. A sedentary lifestyle affects both mental and physical health negatively. Adults can encourage teens to be more active in several ways. One way is by example and setting regular family activities that are active.
Teen years are a time of change and an uncomfortable lack of confidence.
Depression, anxiety, and stress are part of the teen years. They often enter years of significant changes. The body changes significantly, socialization changes, and the brain and ways of thinking are evolving. It can cause confusion and a rise of negative emotions. Those can include depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. Studies show that just 60 minutes of exercise daily can help improve mental health and relieve anxiety and depression. Many therapists now use exercise as an adjuvant therapy that is better than most medications and has no negative side effects.
Exercising regularly helps build stronger bodies.
There’s a rampant rise in teenage obesity and type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise can help prevent the problem. It also helps reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, breast cancer, and colon cancer. Today’s teens have more instances of high blood pressure than their predecessors and higher cholesterol levels. Part of the reason is lack of exercise. Exercise also helps build stronger bones, particularly weight-bearing activities. It helps build a stronger body that becomes a healthier adult.
Exercising helps improve cognitive functioning.
Exercise increases circulation and sends oxygen and nutrient-laden blood to the brain. Studies show that physical fitness increases brain development and brain neurotransmitters, even in adults. That can improve overall cognitive functioning and help them become a better student. When teens exercise, it plays a role in brain health in later years. It can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s in senior years. Exercising is linked to improved memory and learning.
- Teens who exercise tend to be more self-confident than those who don’t. It can improve self-image and self-esteem. It also helps maintain a healthy weight, playing an additional role in building self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Exercising regularly can help prevent addiction. It diverts the attention away from alcohol and drugs and provides the “good” feeling they often want. It can help recovery after addiction.
- Studies indicate that teens who exercise regularly are more able to tap into creativity. Higher levels of energy and productivity occur in those who exercise regularly.
- Regular exercise doesn’t have to be in a gym. It can include dancing, biking, or rock climbing. Teens need all forms of exercise: balance, flexibility, strength, and aerobic conditioning.
For more information, contact us today at Travel Trim