Given that teens are notorious for their love of fast foods high in saturated fats, salt and sugar, getting regular exercise is important. Eating cheeseburgers, fries and sodas can increase blood pressure and the risk of developing type I diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Education Program, 177,000 U.S. residents under the age of 20 have diabetes. Regular exercise is one way to lower the risk for diabetes, obesity and developing chronic diseases in adulthood. The National Institutes of Health recommend teens get an hour of physical activity daily.
Exercise with the Family
Teens might resist group activities at first, but if you gather them up to go biking to the beach or take them to a park where they can climb on an outdoor jungle gym, climb ropes or just run, they will see it more as play instead of exercise. Bring a Frisbee, football or baseball to throw around.
Enroll Your Teen in Team Sports
Cater to your teen's individual interests. Does your girl want to start a teen yoga class or learn hip hop dance at an after-school program? Maybe your boy wants to play baseball or hockey. Some teens are naturally drawn to sports, but if school sports are too competitive, check the community center for classes to teens in judo, ballet or other physical activities that will still give them an opportunity to exercise and meet other kids.
Take Short Walks for Errands
Walk with your kids while conducting errands and take the stairs. Incorporating even five or 10-minute walks and climbing stairs does make a difference. If you have a dog, bring your teen with you. Or, ask him to do impromptu sprints when you are waiting for people to gather to eat at a restaurant or at a movie theater. Ask him to jog (or sprint) up and back a short distance five times. These short bouts of exercise burn off steam and help keep your teen strong.
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