Is your teenager getting enough exercise? Not only is a physical activity essential for young people’s growth and development, but it’s also a healthy way to relieve stress and make new friends.

 

In this article, we’ll share three of the top benefits of exercise for young teenagers. Keep reading to learn about how physical activity impacts your child, along with tips for how to get them involved in sport and fitness from a young age.

 

Improves physical health.

Of course, the most straightforward benefit of sport and fitness is that it boosts your teen’s physical health. But the physical health benefits of exercise are likely more wide-ranging than you realised.

 

When your child stays active, they’re more likely to maintain a healthy weight, sleep better, improve their heart health, reduce the risk of certain diseases, and build strong muscles and bones.

 

Supports good mental health.

At the same time, participating in regular physical activity can significantly benefit your son or daughter’s mental health. It’s an often-overlooked perk of sport and exercise, but maintaining a good mental mindset is just as important as staying physically fit.

 

Exercise has been found to reduce stress and enhance self-esteem for people of all ages — but these benefits can be particularly impactful for young adults. Teens face a number of challenges as they grow up and begin to gain independence, and physical activity can serve as a productive outlet during these times.

 

Encourages peer bonding.

In addition to the physical and mental health benefits, team sports or activities can also boost your child’s social skills. Through group sport or exercise, your son or daughter will be able to meet other kids who share a mutual interest in physical fitness.

 

Physical exercise also provides an excellent opportunity for your child to learn how to become a good teammate and work towards a common goal. They can build healthy relationships and share their experiences, including wins and losses, with their new friends.

 

Getting kids involved in physical exercise.

With all of these excellent benefits in mind, the question becomes: how can you convince your teenager to participate in sports or exercise? These days, many young people would rather skip physical activity in favour of screen time, which can be challenging for parents.

 

First, you should speak to your child about what types of athletics or exercises they’re interested in. If you force them into trying something that they don’t enjoy, they could reject physical activity entirely. Chat with them and find out if there are any sports they’d like to try or any fitness-based trends they’re keen to pursue.

 

You should also find a structured and supportive atmosphere where they can learn and practise their new skills. We at WAYS offer a fun and friendly environment for children of all ages to get active, alleviate stress, and make new friends with our OOSH program (Out of School Hours) that consist of After School Care and Vacation Care.

For more information about these programs, please see our website.

At WAYS, we help young people realise their potential and achieve a meaningful path forward in life. You can learn more about our organisation, including our after-school care and youth programs, by visiting our website.