With summer here, it is the perfect time to get outside and exercise. We hear it all the time, whether from our parents, teachers, or health professionals, regular exercise is good for you. Many Americans struggle to find the time to change their exercise habits because we are constantly busy. The good news is it’s not too late to start and with a little commitment each day, you can find ways to fit more physical activity into your life.
To start, you should try to get the recommended amount of exercise for your age. For teens, the recommended amount is 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meeting these recommendations will provide several health benefits such as: reducing your risk of heart disease, improving your mental health and mood, helping keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age, and improving your sleep.
Physical activities for teens could include:
Raking leaves
Washing windows or floors
Shoveling snow
Running
Walking
Shooting baskets
Biking
Stair climbing
While we might think that it is difficult to find the time to do these things, often we may already be doing these activities in our everyday lives. So, instead of coming home from a long day at work or school and choosing to take a nap, find something you can enjoy that will enhance your physical health and wellness!
Click here for more physical activity ideas.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of exercise.
Click here to see CDC’s information about physical activity and health.
Addison Resource Guide 