Physical activities like sports and strength training are critical to a teens physical and mental wellness. The CDC recommends 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily for teens, including 3 days of resistance training to build muscle.
The many physical benefits include:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Muscle development
- Bone strengthening
- Weight management
But what might not be as obvious is the positive impact it can have on mental and emotional health. Physical activity is a great way to combat anxiety and depression. Exercise also helps teens in the classroom by improving such things as memory.
Regularly staying active increases serotonin levels. Serotonin is often referred to as the “feel good” hormone. High levels of serotonin and other endorphins produced during physical activity are not only linked to that natural high feel, but also helps:
- Regulate appetite and digestion
- Improve productivity
- Improve overall mood and stress responses
- Relieve pain/Improve response to pain
- Promote healing (particularly wound healing)
- Improve sleep
- Improve self-confidence
- Increase focus/concentration
Playing sports is an obvious way to stay active, but if you don’t play a sport or are in the off season here are some ideas to stay active:
- Biking with a friend
- Go for a fast-paced walk (should be moderately difficult to carry a conversation)
- Start a pick-up game of volleyball or basketball at your local park
- Go for a swim
- Join a gym/performance center that specializes in strength and conditioning programs for teenagers
So, whether it’s running around the park with friends, lifting weights in the gym, or running up and down the court, the verdict is in. Sports and exercise are critical to the overall health of all teens and should be a priority every day.