How Can I Motivate My Teen To Exercise?
ADvTECH Group • January 30, 2020
Exercise Is Important For The Mental & Physical Health Of Your Teen!
However, it’s not uncommon for teenagers to be reluctant to engage in extracurricular sports. Here’s how to motivate your child to commit to regular exercise. There are a variety of suggested teen exercises you can encourage.
How important is exercise for teens?
While exercise is wonderful for people of all ages, it can be especially necessary and beneficial for teenagers.
Physical activity is vital for the physical and mental development and wellbeing of your child. With all the changes and new pressures a growing teen might face, exercise is a fantastic way to release feel-good endorphins and channel extra energy. This in turn helps minimise the chances of your child suffering from anxiety, depression and a variety of health complications.
How much exercise does a teen need?
It’s important to note that each child is different and may have varying needs. An average recommendation is around 1 hour a day, 5 days per week. Exercise should also be intense enough to elevate the heart rate.
How do I encourage my teen to do more exercise?
If your child has not taken naturally to sports or exercise, it is completely normal. Teens may experience a lack of self-made motivation. The good news is that there are several ways you can help get them moving.
● Be a role model.
Your child is more likely to embrace exercise if they are exposed to it at home. You can even invite them to join you for your next run, swim or yoga class.
● Limit screen time.
By placing restrictions
on time-consuming activities such as TV, your teen will have more time to consider other extracurriculars such as dance or sports.
● Make it fun.
Instead of pressuring your child to commit to an activity they dislike, look for ways to make exercise fun. This could be by exercising as a family, inviting friends to join in on hikes, walks or swims or trying out new classes together at the gym.
● Use exercise as transportation.
If the facility is available to you, consider any opportunity to walk or cycle to nearby locations instead of driving.
● Let them be in charge.
Ultimately the biggest motivator is freedom. By letting your child decide what sports they enjoy or when they would like to exercise, it takes the unwanted pressure off the situation.
What exercises should a teenager do?
When it comes to getting your child to elevate their heart rate, the options are endless. Here are some teen exercises to consider:
● Dance
● Yoga Flow
● Running
● Hiking
● Cycling
● Guided at-home workouts that can be found on YouTube
● After-school sports
Physical exercise should be a fun part of your teens day-to-day life. By implementing these tips, you can expect your teen to enjoy the prospect of getting outside and breaking a sweat.
Where emotional intelligence, belonging and wellbeing shape confident, high-achieving students
Each year on 14 March, schools across the globe celebrate Pi Day, a playful tribute to the mathematical constant π (3.14). Numbers may seem abstract at first glance, yet behind every formula lies a story of discovery, logic and imagination. Mathematical thinking shapes the way young people analyse the world, solve problems and innovate in fields ranging from medicine to technology. Passion for mathematics rarely appears overnight. Curiosity often provides the starting point. According to Camilla Pretorius, Principal of Trinityhouse Centurion , mathematical confidence develops when students realise that the subject is not about memorising formulas but about exploring patterns and ideas. “Mathematics is fundamentally about curiosity,” Pretorius explains. “Students begin to thrive when they understand that problem-solving is a journey rather than a test of instant ability.” Early childhood plays a critical role in shaping attitudes towards numbers. Young students naturally explore patterns, shapes and quantities through play long before formal lessons begin. Counting steps on a staircase, sorting colourful objects or building towers all introduce foundational mathematical concepts. Teachers who encourage exploration help students associate mathematics with discovery rather than anxiety. Games, puzzles and open-ended questions transform classrooms into spaces where curiosity flourishes. Confidence grows when mistakes become part of learning. “Students sometimes arrive believing they are ‘not maths people’,” Pretorius says. “Changing that mindset requires patience and encouragement. Progress becomes visible once students understand that effort and persistence build mathematical ability.” Academic performance improves when students believe they can succeed. Mathematical confidence determines whether a student will attempt a challenging problem or avoid it entirely. Supportive classroom environments allow students to ask questions, test ideas and learn through trial and error. Teachers play a central role in shaping that environment. Encouraging discussion, celebrating creative thinking and analysing mistakes openly helps students develop resilience.
Celebrating multilingual education at Trinityhouse, where identity, inclusion and global readiness grow together. Experts: Samantha Nkosi, Raesetja Ntuli and Maché Piek (Trinityhouse Centurion Teachers) International Mother Language Day, celebrated annually on 21 February, offers schools across South Africa an opportunity to reflect on language inclusion, cultural diversity and identity. At Trinityhouse Schools, language education is not only about academic achievement. It is about building culturally confident, globally aware students who are proud of their roots. In the early years, language shape’s identity. When young children hear Sepedi, isiZulu, Afrikaans or their home language spoken in the classroom, they feel recognised and valued. Introducing home languages in Pre-Primary affirms cultural heritage at a critical stage of development. Children who encounter familiar words, songs and greetings settle more quickly into school life. Multilingual exposure through music, storytelling, indigenous games and augmented reality books strengthens vocabulary and builds early literacy foundations. Students explore the meaning of their names and surnames, deepening pride in their identity. When a child’s mother tongue is acknowledged, confidence grows. Participation increases. Classrooms become spaces where diversity is celebrated naturally. Early language inclusion supports emotional wellbeing and strengthens school readiness, creating confident students from the very beginning. As students’ progress through Preparatory School, continued development of home language skills alongside English strengthens academic performance. Research and classroom experience consistently show that students who maintain strong home language proficiency demonstrate improved comprehension, stronger reading skills and greater conceptual understanding. Teaching strategies such as repetition, guided group reading and small discussion circles allow multilingual students to participate without pressure. Students often explain concepts in Sepedi before bridging into English, reinforcing understanding and building academic confidence. Parents play a pivotal role in this journey. Daily reading in both English and home languages, storytelling and regular conversation strengthen vocabulary and cognitive development. A strong foundation in a home language enhances English acquisition rather than hindering it. Multilingual students develop cognitive flexibility, empathy and adaptability, essential skills in today’s interconnected world. Aligned with South Africa’s 11 official languages and a strong commitment to diversity in education, Trinityhouse continues to broaden its African language offerings. At Trinityhouse Centurion, Sepedi was introduced at Pre-Primary and Preparatory in 2019 and will be extended to Grade 8 in 2027. Offering Sepedi as a First Additional Language affirms students’ linguistic heritage within an academic setting. When students see their home language valued at high school level, it strengthens identity, belonging and pride. At the same time, multilingual students develop cultural awareness and global readiness. The Sepedi department will prepare students for the IEB National Senior Certificate examinations in their matric year. A structured academic pathway, rigorous assessment standards and active collaboration within the IEB Sepedi cluster across Pretoria and Gauteng will ensure consistency and academic excellence. Close cooperation between the Preparatory and High School departments will further support a smooth and well-coordinated implementation in 2027. Adolescence is a critical period of identity formation. Language inclusion directly influences student confidence, wellbeing and belonging. Being able to connect socially through a shared language reduces isolation and fosters community. Through Respect, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, Public Speaking, assembly celebrations and events such as Heritage Day Fire Feast, Trinityhouse creates spaces where students celebrate linguistic pride through praise poetry, storytelling and song. These moments strengthen engagement, participation and cultural appreciation. International Mother Language Day reminds us that language is more than communication. It is memory, belonging and identity. At Trinityhouse, raising globally competitive students who are proud of their heritage means ensuring that cultural identity and academic excellence walk hand in hand.
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