The Importance of Exercise: Study Shows Teens are Getting Less Exercise

Even before Covid 19 lockdowns and orders to stay at home, teens were exercising less and less. Between online video streaming, gaming, and social media, teens can sit for hours with their electronics and not get any physical activity. Now, many schools, gyms, and other community sports or activity programs have been closed down, so their options for exercise are even less. Physical activity is important, especially during childhood and teenage years. A lack of exercise has shown to result in not only controlling one's weight but to also improve a teenager’s mental health such as depression, self-esteem, school performance, self-confidence and more. When a teenager experiences any of these symptoms it can lead to them becoming defiant, angry, and display an intolerable mood in which it may be time to enroll your son into Liahona Treatment Center, a therapeutic boarding school whose mission is to improve the mental and physical well being of young teenage boys.

Benefits of Exercise for Teens

Research shows that exercise and physical activity is important for both our minds and our bodies. Exercise triggers a release of endorphins, a natural chemical in the body, that creates feelings of happiness. These endorphins are especially good for relieving stress. Exercise or physical activity for 30 minutes, at least a few times a week, is especially helpful for teens with depression and anxiety. Their symptoms decrease and sleep improves. Exercise also helps to boost a teen’s self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-mage. They develop a higher level of self-worth, despite their size or weight. These beneficial effects are even better when teens exercise or engage in activities outdoors. Research has found that brain development is linked to physical activity. Even sporadic physical activity improves memory and learning. Teens who regularly engage in physical activity have higher levels of energy and are more creative and productive. Teens who are in addiction recovery benefit from the extra endorphins that exercise provides, and find that physical activities help to distract them from their cravings and addiction habits. Exercise also helps their bodies to heal from the negative effects of drug or alcohol use.

Sound Body and Sound Mind

While exercise is good for a teen’s mind and body, some teens struggle with psychological, emotional, or behavioral problems that require therapy and other intervention measures. Teens who have severe anxiety, depression, addictions, or other mental health issues could benefit from a stay at a residential treatment center, where they can get therapy, schooling, and participate in exercise and outdoor activities. Therapeutic boarding schools offer individual, group, and family therapy. Their academic programs are designed to help troubled teens earn school credits for graduation. They provide health monitoring and offer participation in sports or other exercise programs. Some offer fun outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, skiing, and kayaking. Therapeutic boarding schools help teens to improve both their mental and physical health, and teach them to develop better social skills, healthy relationships, and happier lives.