Being Active is one sure way to make you feel great. There are so many benefits of regular physical activity it is surprising that so many teenagers find so many reasons not to take part.
Why be Active?
- It's an opportunity to meet up with friends or make new ones.
- Better general fitness, and stronger bones and muscles.
- Makes you feel good
- It stops you putting on weight.
- You'll feel a sense of achievement.
- Being active is fun - really. Just give it a try.
Still not convinced? Here are some of your most common excuses (bbc):
"It's not cool."
Try telling David Beckham, Tiger Woods and Ellen MacArthur. All right, we can't all reach the very top, but we can get a lot out of being fitter. People who tell you it's not cool are usually the ones who couldn't run to catch a bus if their lives depended on it.
"None of my friends or family do it."
Be a trailblazer! They might be inspired by your example and take it up themselves. If your friends and family make offhand remarks about fit folk it might be because they're jealous.
"It's a boy thing."
It's true more boys than girls take exercise, but that's not because girls are rubbish at sport. Many girls don't find the activities at school suit them but there are things to try outside school, such as dance or martial arts and aerobics.
"It's sore/uncomfortable/sweaty."
It should never be sore for long or uncomfortable, and feeling a bit stiff after activity is natural. Yes, activity does make you sweat, but if you're enjoying yourself you probably won't notice - and everyone else is sweaty too.
"I don't want muscles."
Being fit and having bulgy muscles don't necessarily go together. To get big muscles you would have to do a programme of specific exercises.
"I don't like joining in/teams."
Fine. If teams leave you cold, check out activities you can do by yourself or with a friend.
"I'd rather play with the computer/watch TV/talk to my mates."
It doesn't have to be either/or. You can do both.
