It is important for everyone to exercise, no matter the age. Teens can have the added benefit of feeling better about their body, which often, in those years, they don’t. Liking their body could give more confidence and self-worth, which many teens need. Overweight kids can become overweight adults, with more health problems. Teens don’t have to take drastic steps to exercise more, either. All they need to do is get away from the computer, video games, and TV. In fact, according to research, “kids’ metabolisms are slower when watching TV, than when they are resting.”
So, now that you know why you should, how can you exercise. First of all, you should do something you enjoy, such as walking, riding bikes, playing a sport or dancing. You want to pick something you like, so you stick with it. Better, yet, mix them up for more variety. Anything that makes you sweat and breathe harder is going to work. If you’ve haven’t exercised before, it is important to start slow and increase. Lifting weights is important too, if you know how to build muscle. Muscle burns calories even while you’re sleeping.
Also, begin with some soft stretches and end the same way, to help with soreness. Your body may ache a bit the next day, but you are working it differently than before. If you have any questions, ask a parent, doctor, gym teacher or coach. Even chores, like cleaning your room, pushing a lawn mower, or washing the car, can help. So, just think, you can help mom and dad, and get healthier at the same time.