Why is Physical Fitness Important for Teens?

Recent studies have shown some alarming facts about physical fitness among today's teens. Most teens spend at least 30 hours in a week watching TV and eating high fat content snacks. Nearly fifty percent of the teens and young adults, do not do any sort of physical activity on a regular basis. Teenage girls are more inactive than the boys. As teenagers grow up, many of them tend to avoid participating even in physical education class in their schools

Importance of Physical Activity for Teens

Physical fitness is important as it keeps our body free from illness. It enables the organs of our body, like the heart, lungs and muscles, to function efficiently. Physical fitness makes our body more energetic, which in turn helps us to carry out our daily chores without getting fatigued. It also contributes towards keeping our mind healthy, fresh and free from stress-related problems. In order to keep ourselves physically fit, we need physical exercise, balanced diet and proper rest.

Today, most teens lack physical activity, which results in slowing down of their metabolic processes. As a result, obesity among teens is increasing at a rapid rate. When teens gain a lot of weight, it affects them, both physically and psychologically. They find it difficult to move around, run or play in a free manner like other young people. This makes them mentally depressed and frustrated. If the fat remains accumulated in the body for a long period of time, then it becomes difficult to get rid of that excessive fat and lose weight. It is also likely, that overweight teens will grow up to be obese adults. Young adults with a heavy body are more prone to diabetes, heart ailments and arthritis, etc.

Teens should keep themselves physically fit, as it will help them look attractive, feel good about themselves and enable them to work smartly. Physical activity is important for building and maintenance of healthy muscles, bones and joints. It helps in making the body more flexible and increases the strength and endurance of the muscles. It also reduces unwanted body fat and helps keep a check on body weight. Physical activities like sports and exercises are required to keep the body fit , mentally healthy, get rid of depression and frustration, and improve self-esteem

 

Exercises for Teens

 

Some teens may not like to get into the rigors of physical training. But, it is not essential to undergo rigorous sessions of strenuous physical exercises. Some moderate amounts of physical activity everyday is enough to stay fit. They may prefer to enjoy aerobic exercises, which have a lot of variety and are fun to do. Other forms of exercise that have a good mix of fun and pleasure are swimming, ice skating, cycling, skiing, trampoline, etc. Some indoor and outdoor sports like soccer, hockey and basketball involve a lot of group activity which allows them some scope to spend time with friends and keeps them physically active as well. Even a brisk walk for 30 minutes or a jogging session of 15-20 minutes in the mornings, is good enough.

Any activity chosen for physical exercise must lead to hard breathing and good sweating. Benefits of physical exercise can be obtained, if they are practiced regularly. Care should be taken that the exercises are not overdone, as that can cause injury and weakening of bones

 

 

Posted in Genaral Advice