Real Talk     Hot Topics     Home and Family     Teen Health    

Tips to keep your teen active in lockdown



Physical activity is more crucial than ever

Tips to keep your teen active in lockdown


Getting your teen to exercise – even a little bit – can dramatically improve their overall sense of wellbeing. Unfortunately, with the Winter of Covid upon us, helping to make that happen is even more of a challenge than it was in, say, midsummer. But, according to the good folks at evolvetreatment.com, this challenge is not as insurmountable as you might think. In fact, the smartphone, on which your teen spends more time than ever, can actually be your accomplice in getting your child to move. Below are some helpful tips.

If you’d told teens in 2019 or early 2020 what the bulk of 2020 would look like, they would probably have thought it sounded great. No structure? No needing to physically go to school? More time to text and Netflix? Awesome. Yet, lack of routine, combined with decreased outdoor-recreation opportunity, alongside dramatically reduced physical contact, is no fun at all. The stories I hear from my friends with teens in Covid-induced isolation are strikingly similar. Even if the teens “attend” school remotely, there’s more texting into the wee hours, even more time spent online, sleep disruptions (too much, too little) and a general malaise sinking in. Except for the ones who still habitually exercise, whether outdoors or with apps.

READ MORE: How mindfulness can help your stressed teen

The folks at evolvetreatment have covered the stress-reducing benefits of exercise, and now point us to apps to help make that happen.

“These apps offer programs tailored to every fitness level, from beginner to competitive athlete,” they point out. “Your adolescent may be the type that needs reminders, structured goals, and calendars to stay on task. Or, they may prefer a simple app that tracks miles or times their workouts. Whatever the case, there’s an app for that.”

The Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout

MyFitnessPal

Shred

CharityMiles

Runtastic

They also tout the benefits of bodyweight workouts, and the old standby, walking. The walking tip reminds me of a family I have seen walking by my house for over a decade. I’ve watched those kids grow up, walking down my street. Yes, even in the pandemic.



More Real Talk


  • Everything you need to know about student loans

    Traditional ways of paying for college aren't working

    More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings i falling. read more »
  • 3 ways people of all ages can make the most of International Youth Day

    Celebrate youth activists and combat ageism

    August 12 is International Youth Day, a United Nations effort to celebrate youth activists, combat ageism and help bridge gaps between generations working toward the same change. read more »
  • 4 ways to get involved this global volunteer month

    It's a good time to get in on the action

    Global Volunteer Month, celebrated throughout April, is a time to recognize people who actively support their communities through volunteerism and active civic engagement. It’s also a time to get in on the action. However, if you’re like many people, you may not know where to begin. read more »
  • USC quarterback Caleb Williams supports young adults' mental health

    The athlete teams up with national "Seize the Awkward" Campaign

    In Collaboration with the Ad Council, AFSP, The Jed Foundation, Caleb Cares Foundation & USC, a new student-produced Public Service Advertisement encourages young adults to check in on their friends. read more »
  • "I Have The Right To" launches nationwide pledge

    Offering support to students and survivors of sexual assault

    In an exciting announcement and a first for the celebrated organization, I Have The Right To launches a nationwide pledge to ensure all students receive an education free from sexual assault. read more »
  • Proper medication use can help tobacco users overcome nicotine addiction

    The New York State Smokers' Quitline can help you kick the habit

    The New York State Smokers' Quitline (Quitline) reminds New York State residents that cigarettes and vape products are highly addictive. read more »
  • Weeklong FAIR Film Festival 2022

    The Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism (FAIR) Hosts a Film Screening Plus Q&A

    The Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism (FAIR) will kick off the FAIR Film Festival 2022 with an in-person screening of the documentary film I Am A Victor plus a selection of short films on Sunday, June 12 at 1:00pm EDT at Caveat on the lower east side in Manhattan. read more »
  • Resources for LGBTQ youth

    Positive online places for your child

    LGBTQ youth are more likely to be bullied and harm themselves because of it. read more »
  • How to prevent cyberbullying with technology

    Who is at risk and what you can do

    Cyberbullying is becoming more prevalent among children and teens, as young people now spend more time on phones, computers and digital devices. About 6 in 10 teens have been bullied or harassed online, according to Pew Research Center. read more »
  • Teenage Period Cramps

    How much pain alerts to medical conditions?

    More often than not prevailing period stigma holds adolescents back from expressing concerns about severe menstrual pains. Experts say that debilitating cramps are not normal and might be caused by underlying medical problems like endometriosis. read more »