Did you know that children need a minimum ofone hour of physical activity daily for optimal health?
The CDC's Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans says that school-aged children should engage in 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. It adds not only that regular physical activity can help with physical and mental health, but also that it can safeguard againstobesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
That's one reason to encourage kids to get moving, and there are lots of ways they can do so.
One of the best ways to encourage children, particularly those in high school, to adopt a healthier lifestyle is to recommend running. Remember, they can move at their own pace since no one's expecting them to run for miles and miles right away. They must pace themselves in terms of distance and speed until they're ready for the next level.
Here are five benefits high schoolers can get if they make running part of their regular routine.
- Better Sleep Quality
Teenagers needeight to 10 hours of quality sleep nightly if they're going to have optimal health, do well in school, and grow up to become productive adults. Oftentimes, teens fail to get sufficient sleep because they stay up too late. They're often too tired when the alarm clock goes off in the morning. One way to enjoy better sleep at night is to engage in physical activity during the day. In other words, if teens exercise during the day, they'll get better sleep at night.
Physical activity helps regulate sleep patterns so teenagers fall asleep faster, enjoy better shut-eye, and feel more refreshed in the morning.
- More Self-Confidence
Teenagers who get into running can also develop more self-confidence as they try something new, get better at it, and set realistic goals that they can aim for. For teens who want to push themselves and get the most out of their abilities, one option is theSwiss Running Challenge. It's a special running-focused program specifically for high-school students.
Held in Lucerne, Switzerland, the challenge is for youth ages 15 to 18.
Training will take place in the Swiss Alps. Since there'll be a 1:3 staff-to-athlete ratio, teens will get the specialized attention they need not only to make the most of their talents but also to improve upon those talents.
It's the sort of trip that can have a positive life-changing impact that helps teens grow physically and mentally.
- Improve Social Skills
Socializing is important for people of all ages. For teenagers, socializing with peers is essential because it can help young people develop healthy social skills,boost mental health, and gain support.
Joining a running group or team at school can encourage more meaningful social interactions. If you're the parent of a teen who needs a way to make more meaningful connections with like-minded people, encouraging them to take up running can be a good move.
- Foundation for Lifelong Fitness
Another benefit of getting teens hooked on running is that it can lay the foundation for a life of better health. Remember that regular physical activity is good for mental and physical health. Kids can lower their odds of developing serious health complications if they make physical activity and exercise a habit. It'll benefit them now and into the future.
- Instill Discipline and Goal-Setting
Getting involved in running can help high schoolers get used tosetting goals and exercising discipline. Those are qualities that will help them all their lives. They'll know that achieving goals takes hard work and perseverance.
If you have children in high school, you can see some positive benefits they can get if running becomes part of their routine. The good news is a quality pair of running shoes is all that teens need for this activity, so running won't require a huge financial investment. The time your teens spend running will be time well spent.
