Sometimes getting your teen to do anything but sit behind their computer or text with their friends can be like pulling teeth. But making sure they are active doesn't have to be that difficult — a little creativity can be the key to getting them moving. As an added benefit, keeping them active with regular exercise can also lead to increased self-esteem.
"In my experience, when teens take part in exercise — especially exercise that is connected to a goal and a training plan to achieve that goal — they learn what they are physically, emotionally and mentally capable of doing," says Lenora Goessling, Program Director of Marathon High, a free afterschool training program designed to give underprivileged students the chance to train for half- and full marathons.
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She has seen teens increase their self-esteem, learn how to manage stress and even improve grades and school participation. "Teens participating in physical activity see changes across all aspects of their lives," Goessling says.
Make it easy for your teen to get all the benefits that come with a fitness routine by trying one of these creative workouts.
FXP Fitness
For a workout that doesn't feel like a workout, FXP Fitness is the perfect fit. They've taken the classic hula hoop and turned it into a full body workout that friends and families of all ages can enjoy. The FXP Fitness Hula Hoop comes with a DVD, making the low impact workout easy to do at home after a long day at school or on the weekend when friends come over. For those who prefer to get out of the house for workouts, many cities have FXP Fitness trainers who teach classes at area gyms.
More: 5 Ways to Get Your Children Interested in Yoga
Yoga
Yoga studios across the country offer yoga for teens, including many YMCA facilities. Yoga is a great way for teens to manage stress from school and their social lives. Additionally, it can help them feel more awake throughout the week and give them the opportunity to learn to socialize in new situations. Yoga is also a workout routine teens can carry with them throughout their lives.
SURFSET Fitness
For the teen who loves to surf (or who always wanted to try), SURFSET Fitness is a total-body workout performed on a special surf trainer. The SURFSET Board — the RipSurfer X (RSX) — is adjustable so all levels of expertise can use it. The RSX is available for purchase, or you can head to a studio and take classes with a trainer. For teens who are used to simply running or doing physical fitness challenges at school, this is the perfect way to shake up their routine and work on stability and core movements through a surfing simulator.
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