It’s easy enough to get young children outside playing: offer to play hide-and-seek, entice them with a game of tag, or simply bring them to the playground and they’re ready to run.
But what do you do when it comes to getting teenagers to move more? That’s a scenario that can be harder to navigate.
In honor of National Physical Fitness Month, we’re collecting some great tips and tricks to help all our students #MoveInMay. In today’s post, we’ll explore great resources from around the web to encourage teens to be more active.
Read on for some great ideas!
1. Make screen time count.
Teenagers today are rarely found without some form of technology, whether it be a smart phone, tablet, computer or iPod. But the time your teen spends in front of a screen does not need to be inactive.
In addition to setting screen time limits, try incorporating some exercise into your child’s use of technology.
See who can do the most push-ups, squats or crunches during commercial breaks, or search the web for exercise programs that go along with your favorite shows. Love “Modern Family,” for example? Try doing 10 push-ups anytime Phil hurts himself, 20 crunches when Alex talks about school work, and 15 squats anytime Claire nags Phil.
And don’t forget to be a role model! Even if your teen is isn’t interested in adding exercise into screen time, they’ll notice if you do. So get down on the floor, do some push-ups, and it’s likely they’ll join you.
2. Set a good example.
Being a good fitness role model is important for more than just incorporating exercise into technology use. If your child sees you get up early each morning for a run, or head out for a walk after dinner, they’ll be more likely to do the same.
Start inviting them with you on these outings, or for a game of tennis or bike ride, and you’ll not only help them be more active, you’ll create more opportunities to chat and connect as well.
3. Encourage the use of public transportation.
Living in Boston, there are many opportunities to use public transportation to get your teen where they need to go. So give your car a rest and tell them to take the T or bus the next time they want to head downtown or visit a friend.
While part of their trip won’t be active, they’ll have to walk to the station, to change train lines and to their destination. And though they might protest at first, getting places on their own will soon become a habit, and they’ll likely grow to enjoy the independence.
Good luck getting your teens to be more active! Have any tips of your own? Please share them with us!
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