Teenagers don't need fitness

Other View vs Mainstream View

There is a non-mainstream point of view that "teenagers don't need fitness". Let's take a look into pros and cons of this statement:

1. Pros: Fitness activities can potentially damage teenagers' natural growth and development, harming their height, posture, and more, especially for girls. Nature knows best how to shape a growing body.

   • Cons (Mainstream View): While some high-impact activities carry risks, proper fitness under professional guidance supports healthy development. Many teens face health problems, especially obesity, that exercise helps prevent.

2. Pros: Many teens are already busy with school, homework, and other activities, so adding a fitness routine could be stressful and take away from other priorities.

   • Cons (Mainstream View): Making time for physical activity, even in short bursts, can actually help relieve stress, improve focus and academic performance. Exercise should be a priority, not an afterthought.

3. Pros: Teens should be able to choose activities they enjoy rather than feeling forced to "work out". Unstructured play and movement may be better than formal exercise.

   • Cons (Mainstream View): While teens should pick activities they like, some structure and guidance is still beneficial to ensure they are getting enough vigorous activity for health benefits. Fun and fitness can go hand-in-hand.

Terms

• Physical activity: Any bodily movement that requires energy expenditure. Includes exercise as well as less structured activities.

• Exercise: A subcategory of physical activity that is planned, structured, and done with the goal of improving fitness.

• Fitness: The condition of being physically fit and healthy, achieved through regular exercise and proper nutrition.

• Moderate-intensity activity: Activities that get you moving fast enough or strenuously enough to burn off three to six times as much energy per minute as sitting quietly. Examples are brisk walking, biking, active games.

• Vigorous-intensity activity: Activities that burn more than 6 times the energy used when sitting quietly. Examples are jogging, fast cycling, competitive sports.

An analogy

Saying teenagers don't need fitness is like saying a car doesn't need regular maintenance. During the teenage years, the body is rapidly changing and growing, just like a new car that is being broken in. Without proper care and upkeep through physical activity, problems can develop under the hood. The teenage years are the ideal time to build strong fitness habits, to keep the body running smoothly into adulthood. You wouldn't wait until your car starts breaking down to finally get a tune-up.

The history

• 1950s-1960s: Physical education is a standard part of the school curriculum. After-school sports and active play are common for teens.

• 1970s-1990s: Budget cuts lead to fewer PE programs. Video games and home computers start to occupy more teen leisure time. Teen obesity rates begin climbing.

• 2000s-2010s: Childhood and teen obesity is recognized as a major public health issue. Physical activity guidelines are developed. Schools aim to add back more PE time and promote fitness.

• 2020s: The majority of teens worldwide are still not active enough for optimal health, with screen time and pandemic disruptions as newer challenges. Renewed efforts are needed to get teens moving.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Find an activity buddy. Having a friend to exercise with can make working out more fun and keep teens accountable. Suggest that your teen invite a friend for regular jogs, bike rides, or dance sessions.

2. Gamify fitness. Teens love video games, so use that to an advantage. Invest in active video games that require whole body movement. Set up competitions and reward systems for hitting activity targets.

3. Be an active role model. Instead of just telling teens to exercise, show them. Regularly go on family walks, play catch in the yard, or visit an indoor climbing wall together. Make fitness a positive family lifestyle, not a chore.

Interesting facts

• Only 1 in 4 high school students gets the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day.

• The average teen spends over 7 hours per day in front of screens for entertainment.

• Worldwide, 81% of teens aged 11-17 are not active enough, with girls less active than boys.

• Physically active teens tend to have better heart health, stronger bones and muscles, lower risk of developing health conditions like diabetes, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.

• Teens who are regularly active tend to have better memory, attention and academic performance.