Teenagers neglecting their physical shape are increasing at an alarming rate in the US. Extra weight is a cause of major health problems, often chronic such as diabetes, arthritis, heart conditions, and gout. Studies have shown that overweight teenagers who grow into overweight adults have double the death rate over the age of 70.
One of the major causes of physical shape neglect is sitting in front of a television or computer and eating junk snacks.
Exercises for Teens
Physical activity contributes greatly to a healthy life. Wide spectra of workouts like running, cycling, swimming, in-line skating, power walking, basketball, soccer, rowing, cross-country skiing, aerobic dancing, Tae Bo, kickboxing, rope jumping, ice-skating, racquetball, trampoline jumping are all great aerobic exercises.
Increasing one's heart rate through various physical activities for 20 minutes daily at least 3 times a week is recommended by American Heart Association. It is important that every workout is done correctly. This is much healthier and brings better results faster.
Doing an exercise into torture by overdoing it is not only demotivating but also contra-productive. This does not include some sore muscles that usually appear in the initial phase of exercising.
A habit should be made out of stretching and warm-up before a workout. It increases muscle mobility and prepares the body for upcoming physical effort. It is also important not to overdo exercising when starting to avoid injury.
Pro-exercise Arguments
Getting a teenager to start moving, even for their own sake, can be complicated. It is like at that age, people start functioning as excuse generators. Following a few simple tips could come in handy.
Walking and running are the simplest and most convenient workouts. It just takes standing up and starting to move. They are also very economy friendly. No need for fields or courts or expensive equipment. Aerobic exercise does wonders for blood and oxygen circulation throughout the body. This keeps the body healthy and the minds clearer.
Exercise should always be fun, so it is a good activity to share with friends. On the other hand, working out alone clears thoughts and gives the mind time to think things through.
Cross-training is always a good idea. It brings dynamics to physical activity and stimulates different parts of the body. Exercising increases energy levels, making other daily activities easier to handle.
If exercising regularly, there is no need for harsh diets. The body develops in strength, increases lung capacity, and makes one feel physically and mentally great. It is an amazing feeling to see the fruits of a workout.
The only hazard is spending too much time staring at the mirror. Aerobic workouts dispel feelings of frustration and depression. They stimulate the endorphin flow through the body, which does wonders for self-esteem.
- Teenagers need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days to maintain good health and fitness, and for healthy weight during growth. Physical activity should include aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening exercises.
- Parents are encouraged to limit a teen's screen time (TV, video game, phone, tablet, and computer) to less than 2 hours daily and replace these sitting activities with activities that require more movement.
- Regular aerobic physical activity increases a teen's capacity for exercise. It also plays a role in the prevention of heart diseases and type 2 diabetes. Aerobic activities are continuous activities that cause the heart rate and breathing rate to increase. To prevent dehydration, encourage your teen to drink fluid regularly during physical activity. Also, have them drink several glasses of water or other fluid with no added sugar after the physical activity is completed.
- For teens, daily exercise may help prevent conditions such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels, as well as poor lifestyle habits that lead to heart attack and stroke later in life.
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