The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that teenagers exercise for at least 60 minutes daily to increase their cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength and stimulate bone growth. 

Why should teenagers exercise?

A teenager should exercise approximately five days a week for an hour at a time to sustain these effects. The benefits of this daily workout are especially important for teenagers who don’t get adequate physical activity in their daily lives, which most often includes students who attend school. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC https://www.cdc.gov/), only one in three students nationwide participate in daily physical activity.

Regular exercise also helps teenagers build confidence and self-esteem, reducing stress and improving posture. Working out with friends can be motivating because it allows teenagers to socialize while getting fit. 

What are the benefits of exercise to teenagers?

Lack of physical activity significantly affects teenagers, including increased risk for coronary heart disease. Also, the CDC found that obese male students are more than three times more likely to die by turning 35 than their normal-weight peers.

Another benefit of exercise is stress reduction which is essential because nearly 1 in 4 adolescents experience a period of major depression before they reach adulthood. 

Exercise can stimulate endorphin release and therefore reduce anxiety levels. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it does not matter what type of physical activity teens choose to do because any type has health benefits. 

However, the best results come from cardiovascular activities that get the blood flowing throughout the body, like running or biking. 

How much should a teenager exercise to gain these benefits?

Teenage athletes should exercise for at least 60 minutes daily to increase their cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and bone growth. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it does not matter what type of physical activity teens choose, but any type will have health benefits. 

However, the best results come from cardiovascular activities, like running or biking, which get the blood flowing throughout the body.