Why Fitness Is Important to Adolescents

by Megan Sward, Res Mentor

According to the Center for Disease Control, almost half of Americans between the ages of 12 and 21 "are not vigorously active on a regular basis." Additionally, they report:

• About 14 percent of young people report no recent physical activity. Inactivity is more common among females (14%) than males (7%).
• Participation in all types of physical activity declines strikingly as age or grade in school increases

The physical benefits of being active at this age include decreased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer as an adult. Kids who are regularly active or participate in sports report better sleep and increased energy. It is also possible that the most important elements of growing children, mental and emotional health, can be stabilized and improved. Because of the chemical responses that occur in the body following exercise, there is a decrease in anxiety and depression, while an increase occurs in mental clarity, academic performance, and social growth. Lastly, a teenager's self-esteem can be enormously enhanced through participation in exercise or athletics.

Several students have asked me questions about "toning up" or "getting in shape." Boys are more concerned with building muscle, while girls largely focus on losing weight. At this age, it seems more socially acceptable for boys to strength train and for girls to use treadmills and elliptical machines. While their questions are both reasonable and common, I've found myself answering most of them with a question in return: "How does exercise make you feel?" They look confused and usually say something along the lines of, "I don't actually like exercise. I'm just trying to change the way I look."

While it is expected for teenagers to show concern about their appearance, my goal is to teach students at ASR that if you are motivated by an improvement in your well being rather than your image, you will develop successful and consistent living habits in the future. Self-esteem can transform much quicker than our bodies, and participation in regular exercise can help increase it.

Here at Swift River, we place an emphasis on fitness by offering multiple sports and training opportunities in six-week sessions throughout the year. This past session included soccer, basketball, strength training, volleyball, and tennis. In response to the mounting interest in different activities, particularly for girls, ASR has plans for the construction of a dance and yoga studio. Girls will be able to participate in different dance and yoga classes, while also receiving private instruction on proper workout technique to increase efficacy and prevent injury (especially if they have played a sport before arriving at ASR).