Teenagers and Health

Teenagers need exercise to maintain a healthy weight, develop muscles in their growing body, reduce stress, sustain cognitive ability and to stay healthy overall. All teens should incorporate some form of workout into their day. As important as exercise is, it is equally important to take precautions while exercising to stay safe.

Water

Your body loses water though perspiration and breathing, so keeping enough in your body helps you function while exercising. Throughout the day, be sure to drink enough water so you do not feel thirsty, which can be an indicator of dehydration. During your workout, stop about every 15 minutes to drink a few sips and make sure you rehydrate yourself afterward with one 8 oz. glass of water.

Know When to Stop

Exercise is important for your health and emotional well-being, but overdoing it can be harmful. Too much exercise can cause fatigue and place too much stress on your bones, muscles and joints, or even burn too many calories if you are underweight. If you are in pain while exercising, stop and see a doctor. If you are underweight, reduce the amount of time you spend exercising or consume more calories.

 

How Much

Teenagers should get about 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity daily, says Mary L. Gavin on KidsHealth.org. The exercise can be spread throughout the day, such as in two half-hour workouts. Physical activity can take place during an organized sports practice or game (soccer, tennis and lacrosse), by taking brisk walks or jogs, by riding a bike or by participating in a workout at a gym. You can also get your workout in at home by doing a workout video or even putting on your favorite music and dancing. Using a hula-hoop, jumping roping or doing cartwheels are good choices too.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/110311-workout-tips-teenagers/#ixzz1HdbJt453

Júlia Rodrigues