physical benefits of physical activity for teens

Walking, cycling on flat ground, skateboarding, playground activities, riding a scooter Some of these activities will have overlapping characteristics between the types and intensities of exercise. Being engaged and having fun motivates lifelong physical activity and wellbeing.Įxamples of aerobic and strengthening exercises of various intensities are noted in the table below. Providing access to activities that are enjoyable for the individual should be the number one goal. Teens and young adults are only just starting to understand the value of being healthy. However, the best type of exercise is those that are performed. These activities require the muscles to push and pull against body weight or external loads. Strengthening exercise s helps strengthen the muscles and bones.

They are essential for maintaining cardiovascular and heart health. These are aerobic and strengthening activities.Īerobic exercises are physical activities that require constant movement and get the heart pumping. Additionally, there are two main types of exercises that are beneficial for overall physical well being. What types of exercise are appropriate for teens and young adults?Īs noted earlier, a combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity exercises should be encouraged. To stay healthy, experts recommend reducing sedentary activities to a maximum of 2 hours a day. While exercising 60 minutes a day is hugely beneficial, decreasing sedentary behaviour is equally important. These poor habits are linked to lower physical fitness and becoming overweight. Examples of sedentary behaviour include playing video games, watching television and being on the phone. Teens and young adults are becoming too inactive – also known as sedentary behaviour. Additionally, short bursts of exercise can be incorporated throughout the day.Įven if physical guidelines are met, the benefits of moving do not reverse the drawbacks of being sedentary. For example, modifying day-to-day activities, such as walking to school rather than being driven. Instead, they can be dispersed throughout the day. Given the lifestyles of teens and young adults, these 60 minutes do not need to be structured and organised. Vigorous activities require more effort, which leads to heavier breathing, faster heart rates and more profuse sweating.

Moderate activity this described as any movements that lead to fast breathing, some sweating and an increased heart rate. A combination of moderate and vigorous activities should be encouraged within these daily totals. However, the general recommendation for teens and young adults is around 60 minutes per day. The ideal amount of exercise will be different for each individual depending on their circumstances. The following evidence-based recommendations are taken from reputable sources, such as the Australian Government and the American College of Sports Medicine. Only 27% of teens and young adults are meeting the expected physical exercise recommendations. How much exercise should teens and young adults be getting?ĭue to the popularity of technology and social media, teens and young adults are moving less.

Promotes spending time with family and friends.

Reduced the risk of obesity and chronic conditions (e.g.

Physical benefits of physical activity for teens