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Teens and Fitness
Ways to get your teen interested in fitness.
You already know that your kids need exercise to stay healthy and happy, but the problem many parents have is actually getting their teens up and moving. While convincing your child to do anything may be a struggle, their health is worth the extra effort.
First and foremost, if you want your teen to exercise, you have to teach by example. If you sit on the couch for hours watching TV your child probably won’t take you seriously when you tell them to go work out. Set positive examples for your kids by going to the gym, taking regular walks, or playing sports.
Since we know you’re already exercising, why not bring your teen along? Sure, it may be difficult to convince them to come at first, but it’s worth it once they do. Working out with your son or daughter will not only keep them in shape, it will give you time to hang out with them. Plus, you may be able to teach each other a thing or two about proper workouts.
Team sports are a fantastic way to get your child to exercise. Not only do they promote physical activity, they also teach your child to socialize and bond with kids their own age. If possible, try to encourage sports that get your child’s heart rate up rather than sports where they mostly stand still, like baseball.
Don’t worry if your child isn’t athletic enough to make the school team. There are plenty of local leagues anyone can join. Check with your local YMCA or community center. They can give you information on how what’s available and how to get your son or daughter started.
Once you’ve gotten your teen motivated to exercise, it’s important to keep them at it. A great way for teens and adults to stay motivated is to set exercise goals. This gives them something to work for, and also lets them feel like they’ve achieved something once they’ve reached a set goal. It also allows you to monitor their progress and track their improvement.
You should work with your child to set healthy, reasonable fitness goals. You can also set up a rewards’ system with your child for achieving these goals. Start small, like letting them have an extra privilege if they work out 3 times a week.
You can also reward your teen by buying them something they’ve wanted. Sure, it’s not always a good idea to bribe your kids, but what if that bribe encourages them to get in shape? If they’re a runner, buy them new running shoes. Do they like music? Get them an mp3 player to use while they’re working out. Do they like to sit in front of the TV all day and play video games? Buy them a video game that encourages them to get up and move (the Nintendo® WiiTM has tons of options). Be creative, and take your child’s input as well.
With a little motivation from you, teens can learn to be active and stay healthy.
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