As we jump back into the school routine, many of us worry about our teenagers. What will they be exposed to this year? With anxiety and depression on the rise for this age group, many parents see exercise as a solution for avoiding or overcoming mental health issues and exposure to substance abuse. But how do we entice our teens to hit the gym if they don’t want to go?
In a recent article from Health magazine, Danielle Dick PhD, states that during adolescence, the parts of the brain that process reward are highly developed, which means adolescents like to engage in reward-seeking. At the same time, the parts of the brain that are not as fully developed – such as the prefrontal cortex – are the ones that help a person think through the long-term consequences of choices. Thus, according to the article, and to every parent’s torment, adolescents have brains that are hardwired to get them into trouble. Ready for the good news?
According to Dick, parents can teach kids skills and intervene in ways that reduce a teen’s risk for problems, such as experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Regular physical activity can help your teen feel more energetic, improve focus and attention, reduce stress, increase feelings of well-being, and promote a better outlook on life, according to kidshealth.org. Sounds like an excellent tool for parents to try! KidsHealth recommends giving teens the opportunity to make a choice between different physical activities to help teens feel a sense of control. Support their decision by providing transportation, equipment, companionship, and a fun reward after the workout like a smoothie at Beechmont’s smoothie bar!
We understand families are looking for ways to make exercise fun and need a wide range of movement choices. That’s why we offer everything from basketball courts to an indoor track – tennis, pickleball, group fitness classes, a lap pool, and more!
To get your teen up, moving, and having a blast get a family membership today by emailing Lance at lance@beechmontfitness.com!
Visit the articles for more information on teen health and prevention measures.
Sources:
Heid, Markha. “Written in the Genes? Addiction has many causes. One of the most basic might be found in our DNA.” Health, special edition. “Understanding Addiction.” 2021,2022.
Fitness and Your 13- to 18- Year- Old. Nemours KidsHealth, 2019, https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fitness-13-18.html#:~:text=Help%20your%20teen%20commit%20to,swimming%20pool%2C%20or%20shooting%20baskets. Accessed 19 Aug. 2022.