Myths about exercise…
MYTH 1. Teenagers & Young Adults don’t need to exercise -
Wrong! The Australian Physical Activity & Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Young People recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day involving mainly aerobic activities. The 60 minutes can be made up of shorter bursts of activity throughout the day.
Statistics show that 9 in 10 young Australians are not moving their bodies enough. It’s not just a problem here though: according to the World Health Organization more than 80% of adolescents worldwide aren’t getting enough physical activity and as they age they tend to engage in less physical activity and more sedentary screen-based behaviour.
Active children and adolescents will:
• Have stronger muscles and bones
• Have a leaner body because exercise helps control body fat
• Be less likely to become overweight
• Have less risk of developing diseases like coronary heart disease, type II diabetes, colon and breast cancer
• Exhibit lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
• Sleep better
• Stay mentally healthy
• Have a stronger immune system.
MYTH 2. Teenagers & Young Adults shouldn’t start strength training until they reach maturity
Wrong! Strength training is important for all children and adolescents. The Australian Physical Activity & Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Young People recommend that activities that strengthen muscle and bone should be incorporated (in the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity) at least three days per week.
Evidence has found that participation in a supervised resistance training program can be a safe, effective and worthwhile method of conditioning for Young People. Muscular strength is also the driving force toward performance enhancement and injury prevention.
MYTH 3. Teenagers & Young Adults don’t need to stretch
Incorrect – everyone needs to stretch! Suppleness can be developed through regular stretching activity. Stretching activities will make you more flexible, allowing your muscles and joints to move easily through their full range of motion. However, children are more lax prior to puberty, it is important that they do not overstretch, as doing so may impair correct alignment and have negative effects later in life.