Why Should Teens Workout?

 

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, “exercise is good for you”. Daily exercise helps prevent various diseases from high blood pressure to obesity (just to name a few). However, in Australia, more than fifty-percent (55%) of adults do not meet the physical activity guidelines recommended by health professionals.

As teenagers progress from primary school to high school they often lose interest in playing outside and physical activity. This can be detrimental to their health especially as they get older and their screen time increases.

So, what are the top reasons for why teenagers should work out more?

 

Lifestyle and Habits

Habits and healthy lifestyles are learned from a young age. It is important to instill healthy habits early on so that they can be continued until much later in your teen’s life.

For example, during high school teenagers often sit at the computer for a very long time and spend hours studying. By showing them the option of simply heading to the gym as a break you are showing them habits that can develop into a healthy lifestyle.

 

Strength Training

People are often afraid to grab weights in the fear of hurting themselves or looking stupid whilst exercising. However, introducing teenagers to strength training when they are young means that they will learn correct form and as a bonus they will also develop strong muscles. It is important to remember that help from qualified professionals is essential (just at the beginning) to ensure that you are preventing future injuries and teaching your teen correct form.

 

Mental Health

Finally, one of the biggest benefits of teenagers partaking in exercise is the benefit of improving their mental health. When exercising the body produces endorphins and chemicals that improve a person’s mood.

As teenagers are still developing this increase in endorphins can often help how they are feeling. Additionally, exercise can also build self-confidence, decrease the possibility of depression and improve sleep.

 

Which Gym is Best for Your Teen?

At BodySwitch we offer a Teen Membership. Do you know of a teenager that wants to get fit or are you a teen that wants to get fit? This might be a great article to send to them to help them understand the benefits of exercising.