Due to their deep attachment to the digital world, teens today tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle. In most households, teens spend countless hours every day using smartphones, facing computer screens, or even playing video games. 

Even though the statistics show that teens who exercise regularly are more likely to form healthy lifelong habits, those who don’t exercise are also at risk of forming unhealthy habits later in life. 

Exercise Recommendations for Teens

According to doctors, teens between the ages of 13 and 18 should engage in at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.

At least 30 minutes three times a week should be the bare minimum. But, if your teen gets at least three or four days a week 30 minutes three or four times a week, that’s an excellent place to start.

This suggests that if teens participate in sports, they already get good exercise throughout practices and games. However, people who prefer more laid-back team sports may find it challenging to do any regular physical activity.

Regular physical exercise such as running, cycling, or swimming for 30 to 60 minutes a few days a week is beneficial for the overall health and fitness level.

You can devise a simple plan to put into place and one that will help your teenager.  For example, there are few fun ways to get your teen’s daily exercise, such as riding a bicycle, skating a skateboard, or shooting hoops in the driveway. They can also participate in grocery shopping, going to the post office, or doing small errands. 

Make use of what tools are already available in your community. Athletic activities such as jogging around the track, chin-ups at a local park, or running up and down the bleachers are a great way to exercise without paying.

You can also check online and it is available on Google Play to help teens give more ideas on their daily exercise.

How Much Is Too Much? 

Exercising too much can be an issue rather than the exercise itself. Excessive exercise can harm your teen’s physical and mental health. 

Exercise addiction is a very real problem, and there is evidence to support the claims that it may be connected to eating disorders. Also, participating teens experience feelings of guilt and anxiety because of their weight. 

To remove extra calories, they may spend countless hours each day exercising. A lot of pressure is put on teens to look thin and have a predefined body type, and many of them end up trying to work out to better their appearance.

These signals show that your teen is working out too much, completely ignoring their friends, responsibilities, and commitments to spend all of their time exercising. If you see your teenager exercising at least three times per day while worrying about gaining weight, even sustaining a sprain or some other injury, it might be time to check on them.

How to Encourage Healthy Exercise


Becoming a good role model is the best way to make sure your teen is getting the recommended daily exercise levels. It’s highly unlikely that telling your teenager to get moving while you stay seated will be successful. Family activities that incorporate healthy amounts of physical activity should be a priority. And don’t forget to take time to go hiking, play tennis, or go for a family walk together.

Teens who spend most of their time inside should avoid sedentary activities such as watching TV or playing video games. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that once teens are out of bed and exercising, they experience more energy. So encourage your teen to disconnect from technology and get some fresh air.

Let your child know that regular exercise is essential for overall health, but emphasize the health benefits and not the weight loss. While being overweight is a significant issue for teens, having an eating disorder can be deadly.

Strength and bone health are also critical. Seek professional help if your teen may have body image issues.

Getting set for the future

During your teenage years, you’ll gain a healthy weight, strong muscles, develop healthy bones, as well as a better heart and posture.

Young people who stay fit throughout adolescence are more likely to be healthy later in life. Moreover, those who get involved in sports and exercise when they are young are more likely to stick with it, especially if they find a sport they enjoy.

Final Thoughts

While exercising may only be an activity in the body, it can still have a wide range of other effects. These include boosting one’s self-confidence and mood, releasing endorphins, encouraging teens to focus in class, and helping to combat several mental health issues. These exercises, when executed properly, can also help teenagers manage the stress of the daily hustle and bustle.