5 Reasons a Regular Exercise Routine is Important for your Child/Teen
As adults, we all know how important our workouts are. They help us deal with stress, blow off steam, and maintain a healthy weight— and if we skip a few weeks, our bodies are quick to let us know! While it may seem like your child/teen can eat whatever they want and live a more sedentary life without consequences— I cannot stress enough how important it is that they learn your healthy habits as well. Exercise and healthy eating is not for “just adults.” Your child/teen needs to form these healthy habits too!
Here’s the top 5 reasons your child/teen should begin a regular exercise routine.
- Habit forming— this is the age that they learn what is “right” and “wrong.” Having healthy habits early on will make for a healthy adulthood too. Imagine eating junk food and being sedentary for years and suddenly needing to completely change your lifestyle as an adult. Certainly a much more difficult transition!
- Healthy bones/joints/muscles— strengthening the core and learning correct exercise form will ensure that your child/teen is taking preventative measures for injuries later on. In our daily lives, we are constantly performing movements that exercise reinforces. For example, picking up heavy groceries… Exercise teaches us the correct form of this movement that prevents injuries and strengthens the muscles needed to perform it safely. The earlier they learn this, the better.
- Confidence— I’m a huge advocate that mind-body connection (being in tune with our bodies and how they feel) is key when forming confidence early on. Understanding what makes our body feel good and healthy and making sure that we are doing that is the very baseline way to be kind to ourselves. Not only does it make us feel good, but it makes us look healthier too— and that alone improves confidence!
- Consistency is key— Exercise teaches kids how to be consistent. It shows them what dedication and hard work will help them achieve and I truly believe this is key to forming a healthy mindset.
- Stress Relief— Humans will always deal with stress. The way we deal with it is what matters. Having exercise a part of your child/teens routine will help relieve stress and teach them healthy ways to cope. Very important!
It’s never too late to start an exercise routine. It’s always good to start small and slowly build up— and remember, health is a journey and not a destination. There is no such thing as a “bad” workout!
By Paytra Gessler, Certified Youth Fitness Trainer, Certified ISSA Fitness Professional
For more great tips or to find out more about our services, contact Bonita@EnergeticJuniors.com, or call 212-879-1566. Also check out our website at www.energeticjuniors.com