Regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as:

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Obesity

Physical inactivity can,

• Lead to energy imbalance (e.g., expending less energy through physical activity than consumed through diet) and can increase the risk of becoming overweight or obese.
• Increase the risk of factors for cardiovascular disease, including hyperlipidemia (e.g., high cholesterol and triglyceride levels), high blood pressure, obesity, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance.
• Increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Increase the risk of developing breast, colon, endometrial, and lung cancers.
• Lead to low bone density, which in turn leads to osteoporosis.

• Less than one-quarter (24%) of children 6 to 17 years of age participate in 60 minutes of physical activity every day. 
• In 2017, only 26.1% of high school students participated in at least 60 minutes per day of physical activity on all 7 days of the previous week.
• In 2017, 51.1% of high school students participated in muscle-strengthening exercises (e.g., push-ups, sit-ups, weight lifting) on 3 or more days during the previous week.
• In 2017, 51.7% of high school students attended physical education classes in an average week, and only 29.9% of high school students attended physical education classes daily.

There are many reasons why teenagers should exercise regularly. However, we will focus on three main benefits: (1.) improved mental productivity, (2.) increased self-esteem, and (3.)better sleep.

Exercise has been shown to increase mental productivity. A study of university students found that those who exercised regularly had better grades than those who did not exercise. The students who exercised also had better attendance were more likely to complete their assignments, and felt more confident about their ability to succeed in school.

Regular exercise can also help teenagers increase their self-esteem. A study of high school students found that those who exercised regularly had higher self-esteem than those who did not exercise. The students who exercised also had a better body image were more likely to be involved in extracurricular activities, and felt more connected to their school.

Exercise can also help teenagers sleep better. A study of high school students found that those who exercised regularly slept better than those who did not exercise. The students who exercised also had more energy during the day felt less anxious, and were less likely to be depressed.

There are many benefits of exercise for teenagers. A gym is a great option for them to get regular physical activity and improve their mental productivity, self-esteem, and sleep. What are you waiting for?

In honour of Youth Month, Ignite Fitness will host an open month for anyone aged between 14 and 24. Members and non-members are invited to book a FREE Ignite Fitness Signature Arena class experience worth R200.

Book your complimentary class here, or visit their social media pages for more youth month information.