Some teens start to recognize that having good eating habits and some sort of exercise routine will make them healthy. Schools are now trying to help kids by starting fitness classes and also having a fitness room in their school. The suggested time for fitness per week is 90 minutes. This breaks down to about 13 minutes a day. The kind of exercise that a teenager would need depends on their level of general activity. Exercise for someone considered obese is much different than someone who is not. Consulting a doctor is always a good start.
The one area that most teenagers agonize over is their stomach region. The old standard sit-ups are not recommended as much today. Crunches are much more effective in helping create better abdominal muscles. A crunch is when you lie on your back and bend your knees up. Then, put your hands across your chest and lift your shoulders and head off the ground. Lower head and shoulders while contracting your abdominal (stomach) muscles. Try doing four sets of 25 crunches. There are variations to this exercise too. Lay your bent legs to left and reach with your left hand and touch your heels. This is helping your obliques (side muscles). Continue on the right hand side. Your stomach is an important part of the rest of your body. Crunches are something that can be done everyday.
General exercises for teenagers can include things like walking, hiking, jogging, skating, wall climbing or many other activities. Walking at different speeds throughout the 13 minutes can help get your heart rate up. Walking also helps your leg and stomach muscles. Sports are great for some kids, while others want nothing to do with them. A sport doesn’t have to just be the ones that are school. Look outside the box and see what is in the area. Skate boarding, karate, kickboxing, biking, dancing, hiking or skiing groups are also good exercise.