Teens Martial Arts

Keeping Up With Others In Your Class

From when you’re 12 to the time you’re 18 you probably go through more changes than you do in the rest of your life.

You go from primary school to high school. Then there’s Year 11 and 12, the exams, the increased workload at school and the larger social activity after it. There’s sport. There’s all the other physical activity you do, even if it’s only running for the bus. And throughout these years there are the friendships, relationships and all the ups and downs.

Most teenagers find that they get less active as they get a bit older. Think about all those games you used to play when you were a kid. Without those, you’re probably not as active as you used to be. And school gets harder too, leaving even less time to get out and do things. Inactivity really kicks in once we hit the teenage years and it usually affects more girls than guys.

The solution, of course, is activity and it doesn’t need to be strenuous. A daily walk is enough to make a healthy difference. The benefits of keeping active when you are a teenager are huge.

It helps you relax and sleep better by relieving stress and tension. It builds up stamina and improves concentration. And socially, it’s the perfect way to make new friends or keep in touch with old ones.

Here are lots of ways to get more staying power in your day.

1. Get more play into your day. There are loads of ways to get active and have fun too. Go skateboarding, throw a frisbee or kick a ball around with your mates. Walk the dog, shoot some hoops or play footy with friends, dive on in or dance yourself silly.

2. Get organised. Play football, basketball, netball, tennis, hockey, soccer or any other group sport. You could also enrol in dancing, go rollerblading, bowling or join a swim team.

3. Show up for Phys Ed. Develop and practise basic skills like throwing, catching, hopping, skipping and jumping.

4. Warm up first. Start your program slowly every time and gradually pick up the pace. Do some stretches before a run or strenuous activity.

5. Cool down last. As you complete your activity session cool down your muscles by slowing the pace of your activity before stopping.

6. Work out a plan. Figure out the best time to squeeze in your chosen activities, either before or after school, or work. Don’t waste your weekends or holidays vegging out in front of the telly.

7. Take a study break. Study is important. But even if it’s your absolute number one priority, try to work your activity program around it.

8. Get serious. Try to include some vigorous ‘huff and puff’ stuff a few times a week and make it last for 15 minutes or more each time.

9. Lighten up. If spending hours jogging or swimming laps isn’t your thing, try something as easy as dancing around your bedroom to your favourite CD.

This information has been sourced from 'Go for your life'.

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