The Gen XY Lifestyle
5 Ways to get teens moving around
Teens’ health and wellbeing depends on regular, consistent physical activity among other factors.
Recent studies, including the lululemon Global Wellbeing Survey show that an increase in physical activity can benefit our mental state. According to the study, physical activity has been one of the coping strategies that has grown the most over the pandemic, with an increase of 30 percent compared to 2021.
The movement that causes heavy breathing, shortness of breath, body heat, and sweat is what we mean when we say we’re “physically active.” A teenager’s health is impacted by the amount and consistency of physical activity. For example, bones, muscles, and joints all benefit from regular physical exercise. As a result, the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease later in life may be reduced. It helps youngsters fall asleep fast and stay asleep for an extended period.
Physical exercise has a positive effect on a teen’s mental and behavioural health in addition to its physical advantages. As a result, the teenager’s self-confidence, academic achievement, and conduct improve. It also alleviates feelings of stress, worry, and depressiveness. When it’s part of a team sport, it may also promote camaraderie and cooperation.
This guide will provide you with five suggestions for encouraging and motivating your adolescent to get moving.
Begin with slow steps
For teens who aren’t accustomed to working out, they may only endure a certain amount of it before giving up. Begin by taking a daily 10-minute walk after school as a first step. If the idea of exercising every day is too much for them to handle, they may start by walking once a week. Each time, have them walk for an additional minute and keep note of their progress. You can set up gym flooring on the dedicated gym space and all the equipment needed to create that workout environment. Seeing the environment might inspire them to keep going. A contract with them can also provide incentives for logging additional minutes.
Make Your Workouts Fun
The most effective fitness regimen is the one your adolescent really follows. Is your kid a fan of animals and nature? Consider joining a local outdoor club or group that organizes activities like camping, hiking, and birdwatching in the great outdoors. The YMCA, your local school or church, or a community center may provide lessons for your daughter if she enjoys martial arts, dance, or gymnastics. Drama, for example, has been known to rouse teenagers from their couches and mattresses.
Keep in mind that any movement away from a seated position counts. Both within and outside the home are included in this category of responsibilities. Get your adolescent involved in yard work or volunteer work at a local park by scheduling an hour of cleaning time.
Encourage Sports Participation
Teens who love sports as much as you do may find that they like participating in them even more. A sports team that is based on talent rather than age may be beneficial to overweight teenagers. Encourage your adolescent to take up an activity like cycling or jogging if he or she is reluctant to participate in competitive sports.
Talking to the coach is also a good idea to get a sense of their approach. All parties may benefit from an ideal match.
Be a role model
If you do, your child will notice even if they are hesitant to pull themselves away from Netflix. Do crunches or other workouts while you’re watching TV regularly. Small dumbbells and elastic bands may also be stored in a box near to the television for use while watching television. Their interest in health and fitness may be piqued by this health-focused approach to traditional sedentary time.
Be aware of their limitations
Maintaining a positive attitude toward team fitness and health is essential if you want to keep your teen engaged in them in the long term. You should encourage your child’s endurance in fitness, but you should also be aware of their personality and age group’s limits.
You don’t have to become annoyed if your child prefers to run about the court aimlessly rather than participate in a team sport, for example. When things don’t go according to plan, it’s crucial to have a good outlook and adaptability.
Keep in mind that living a physically active and healthful life is not a competition. Taking small, manageable steps can help your adolescent achieve where he or she wants to go. Your example and support as a parent may aid them in this endeavor. Fitness and having a healthy body are essential for every teen, and you should make sure that they have fun and are active.
Article contributed by Inna Atwood. She works as a fitness coach and a part-time content writer. She loves reading and travelling. She is young and ambitious and does hope to share her knowledge and experience with anyone willing to learn something new.
