Exercise is an important way to maintain and protect your health. The amount of exercise a person gets during his younger years can affect his long-term health and well-being. Certain aspects of a younger person's future health depend on how much exercise he gets in the present. If you are under 18 and wondering what impact exercise has on your health, a complete understanding will help you build exercise into your daily life so you can protect your health far into the future.
Physical Health
Exercise is good for your entire body. Regular exercise helps build strong bones, which is crucial during your younger years. You build much of your lifelong bone mass during your childhood and young adult years, which can help prevent osteoporosis as you get older. Exercise also helps build strong muscles, which can help you maintain a healthy weight both during your younger years and as you age. Exercise also helps ward off life-threatening medical conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Physical activity helps you maintain a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol level as well.
Mental Health
Exercise might help protect your mental health. Younger people who exercise regularly tend to have a better outlook on life and fewer mental health issues. According to Fitness.gov, physical activity can reduce your risk of anxiety and depression. Exercise might also help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals already diagnosed with these conditions. Physical activity might also boost your self-esteem and help you feel better about yourself. These positive results are more likely if you exercise regularly and if you continue exercising for weeks at a time.
Requirements
Teenagers, up to age 17, need to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. After age 17, the exercise requirements for young adults depend on the type of exercise being done. If you engage in moderate-intensity exercise, aim to get two hours and 30 minutes of physical activity each week. If you engage in vigorous exercise, you need to get one hour and 15 minutes of physical activity each week. As a younger adult, you should also do strength-training exercises at least twice each week.
Suggestions
You get the same benefits from three exercise sessions lasting 10 minutes each as you do from a 30 minute workout session. If you find it difficult to set aside 30 minutes at a time, fit in shorter workout sessions throughout your day. Take a walk with friends or climb several flights of stairs. Jump rope or use an elliptical machine while you watch your favorite television shows. Start your day with a series of sit-ups and push-ups, or pace while you talk on the telephone. Join a local sports team or take a dance class as additional ways to fit exercise into your daily life.
References
- KidsHealth: Kids and Exercise
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Exercise - Exercise's Effects on Bones and Muscles
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Exercise - Exercise's Effect on the Heart
- Fitness.gov: The Influence of Exercise on Mental Health
- Pediatric Exercise Medicine; Oded Bar-Or and Thomas W. Rowland
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Physical Activity
