How Can I Motivate My Teen To Exercise?

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. 

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. 

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

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.