In adolescence, children who tended to be tireless and full of energy may lose interest in physical activity. Between going to school, studying, friends and even part-time jobs, they have to juggle so many interests and responsibilities.

People who started enjoying sports and exercise as children tend to stay active throughout their lives. They just need a little support or encouragement to continue playing sports during adolescence.

The immediate benefits of physical activity include maintaining a healthy weight , feeling more energized and having better future prospects. Participate in team sports and individual character can promote self-confidence, as well as offer opportunities to interact with others and lots of fun. And regular physical activity can help prevent heart disease, diabetes and other medical problems in the future.

People who started enjoying sports and exercise as children tend to stay active throughout their lives. They just need a little support or encouragement to continue playing sports during adolescence.

Physical activity in adolescence
It is recommended that adolescents do one hour of physical activity most days of the week, if possible, every day of the week. In any case, physical activity tends to decrease during adolescence. Many teenagers abandon organized sports, and consider daily physical education classes as something from the past.

But, if given the opportunity and they have an interest, adolescents can improve their health with almost any activity they enjoy, such as skateboarding, inline skating, yoga, swimming, dancing or playing ball. at the entrance of his house. Lifting weights, under the supervision of a qualified adult, can improve strength and help prevent sports injuries .

Teens can include physical activity in their daily routines, such as walking to school, doing housework, or finding active part-time work. They can be monitors of camps or colonies, caregivers of children or assistant trainer in children’s sports teams, tasks that allow to stay active.

Motivate teenagers to be active
Adolescents have to face many new social and academic pressures, apart from having to deal with the physical and emotional changes of adolescence. Studies indicate that, on average, adolescents spend more than 7 and a half hours per day on different media, such as watching television, listening to music, surfing the Internet and playing video games. It is not surprising that adolescents seem unable to find the time to exercise or that their parents fail to motivate them to be active.

Parents should try to give control to teens about how they decide to stay physically active. Adolescents are defining themselves as individuals and want to make their own decisions, so they are reluctant to do anything other than the many that they already send. Emphasize that it does not matter what they do; it is enough that they are physically active on a regular basis.

Once they start, many adolescents enjoy the feeling of well-being, reduced stress and increased strength and energy that gives them exercise. As a result, some begin to exercise regularly without needing the push of their parents.

To keep a teenager motivated, activities must be fun. Support your child’s choices by providing the sports equipment, transportation and support you need. Your peers can have an important influence on your child’s life, so create opportunities for you to stay active with your friends.

Help your child stay active by finding an exercise regimen that fits his schedule. Your teen may not have time to play a team sport at school or in the local league, but many gyms admit children and teens to go before or after school.

Some teens feel more comfortable doing physical activity videos in their own home, which is fine. However, although exercise or physical activity video games (such as tennis or bowling) are a good alternative to sedentary activities, they should not replace active play or participation in sports.

And all teenagers should limit the time they spend on sedentary activities, such as watching television, playing video games, using the computer, smartphones or tablets.

When to see the doctor
If you are concerned about how little fit your teen is, consult your doctor or pediatrician. It is possible that overweight or very sedentary adolescents have to start little by little, and the pediatrician can recommend programs or help them develop a physical activity plan.

Adolescents with chronic medical conditions or disabilities should not be excluded from physical activities. It is possible that some activities must be modified or adapted, and that others are too risky, depending on the specific condition they suffer. Talk to the pediatrician about what activities are safe for your child.

And some teenagers overdo the physical activities they do. Young athletes, especially those who do rhythmic gymnastics, wrestling or dance, may feel pressured to lose weight. If your teen refuses to eat certain food groups (such as fats), worries excessively about your body image, appears to be exercising compulsively or is having a sudden weight change, talk to your doctor or pediatrician.

Another dangerous aspect is the use of steroids, especially in sports where volume and strength are valued. Talk to your pediatrician if you suspect that your child is using steroids or another substance to improve their physical performance.

Finally, talk to him also if your child complains of pain while doing sports or exercise.

Physical exercise is good for everyone
We can all benefit from being fit. Staying fit can help improve self-esteem and decrease the risk of serious diseases (such as heart disease and stroke) later. And regular physical activity can help teens learn to cope with the physical and emotional challenges they face every day.

Help your teen-age child commit to being fit, offering a positive role model, and exercising regularly. When it comes to physical activities that you can enjoy together, try cycling outings, passing a tennis ball or swimming. Not only will they cooperate to achieve the goal of fitness, but it will also be a good opportunity to stay connected with their child.