For many parents, raising teenagers is one of the most challenging tasks of their lifetimes. If you are the parent of teens, you probably strive to do everything in your power to keep them safe, happy, and healthy. One of the best things you can do for your teens is to encourage them to work out regularly. The following 5 reasons teenagers need regular exercise are crucial to your kids’ overall wellbeing.
5 Reasons Teenagers Need Regular Exercise
Weight Maintenance
Sadly, “Nearly half of American youths aged 12-21 years are not vigorously active on a regular basis.” Part of this serious problem is due to recent cutbacks in physical education classes in schools across the country. If your kids don’t get regular exercise, they are increasing their risk for becoming obese. Obesity leads to a myriad of devastating health problems. Also, people who are overweight when they are young are more likely to stay overweight as they age. By breaking a sweat at the gym several times a week, your kids can achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Success at School
Engaging in vigorous exercise improves the circulation of blood in your brain. This action allows your brain to better receive beneficial nutrients and oxygen. If your teenagers are physically fit, their brains may be able to process and recall information quicker. By working out regularly, your kids may also be able to focus better at school.
Positive Self Image
Teenagers often struggle with a negative self-image due to a variety of reasons. The hormonal changes taking place in teens’ bodies can make them feel awkward and inadequate. Also, peers at school can behave brutally at times. Thankfully, exercise might be able to improve your kids’ self-image. Working out releases happy endorphins in the brain. Therefore, after breaking a sweat at the gym, your teens may immediately feel better about themselves. Exercising may also help your teenagers look and feel better.
Clear Skin
Because of hormonal changes, teens often experience unsightly skin breakouts. If your kids get regular exercise, they may be able to improve the look of their skin. Breaking a sweat at the gym helps remove breakout causing toxins from the body. Due to an increase in blood circulation, the color of your kids’ skin will also appear more radiant after exercising. Working out also speeds up the production of collagen. This substance will help keep your kids’ skin firm.
Fewer Illnesses
Do your children suffer from frequent illnesses? Attending a school with hundreds of other peers increases teenagers’ chances of succumbing to a variety of sicknesses. For instance, several illnesses spread easily from one person to another including:
- Common cold
- Strep throat
- Seasonal flu
- Stomach virus
- Ear infection
- Chicken pox
Fortunately, getting regular exercise is believed to boost a person’s immune system. Therefore, your kids may suffer less illnesses if they work out on a regular basis.
Rearing teenagers can be a challenging undertaking. However, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. To improve your kids’ chances of achieving health and happiness, encourage them to exercise regularly. To increase the likelihood of them working out, set a good example before them. Before you know it, your kids may want to trade the weekly family movie night for a family gym night.
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