More Than Muscles: The Mental Strength of Exercising

When the thought of exercise comes to mind, you may be thinking of bigger muscles or more speedy runs, but the magic is deeper than that. In the case of teens, exercising is a way of training the mind, rather than the body. Exercise makes one more disciplined, helping focus while studying and even balancing hormones that impact mood, energy, and growth. The gym not only teaches strength, but it will also teach consistency, patience, and resilience, all of which are rewarded in the classroom and in life in general. At the teen stage, the body is still developing at a fast rate. Bones are getting stronger, and muscles are evolving; the brain is learning to concentrate when it is under stress..Exercises like strength training will result in stronger bones and leaner muscles, whereas cardio will result in stamina, because of which teens will no longer feel exhausted after long school days. The right combination of movement also prevents bending due to hours of using the phones or desks. Yet the advantages do not end on the body. One of the good natural stress relievers is exercise. Whether that is working out with weights, running, or dancing, body movement releases endorphins, those so-called feel-good chemicals. There are also hormones such as dopamine and serotonin that are activated to regulate mood and to anxiety. Social media pressure, school exams, daily stress, and other factors can be a reset button to teens who struggle with workouts. Most of them will tell you that they are better able to concentrate on homework, get more sleep, and feel relaxed after a gym session. The gym can also be a confidence and discipline-building place even outside the science. Meeting a new personal best, struggling to succeed at a hard exercise, or just following the regimen teaches persistence- a skill that is relevant in all aspects of life. Combine the enjoyment of exercise with friends or playing on a sports team, and exercise is no longer a health practice but a lifestyle that helps not only to grow but to be happy and to enjoy.

Is weight lifting a dangerous activity for teens? Not if it's done correctly! Under appropriate form, weight lifting is not dangerous and, to the contrary, helps to strengthen developing bones and muscles. The weightlifting triggers growth myth has been disproved- exercise is not a bad thing but a good thing. 

What is the actual amount of exercise required by teens? Professionals indicate approximately 60 minutes of exercise per day. This does not imply attending the gym an hour long a day, it may be a combination of walking, sports, dancing or body weight activities. It is consistency that is important, rather than intensity. 

What if I'm nervous to start? That's normal! Nobody is prepared the first time, and you will never stop getting better. Don’t make comparisons with people. Change takes time, and even little steps are useful. It is the key to making it enjoyable and continuing the process.