Teens Take Physical Fitness a Step Further

A new study shows that teens may be smarter than their parents when it comes to overall health. In fact, a study that looked at 1,000 Montreal high school students found that teens are just as aware of the mental benefits of exercise that can help increase confidence, self-esteem and autonomy-as they are of the physical benefits.

According to professor James Gavin of Concordia University's Department of Applied Sciences, he found some teens to be a bit more knowledgeable when it came to knowing about health benefits.

 "We're looking at a generation that has grown up with parents who have yo-yo'd around exercise, talked incessantly about what they should do and what they haven't been doing. These adolescents are savvy about the lingo of exercise, seeing it as part of a lifestyle whereas a generation ago there might have been less of a pervasive awareness," Gavin said, via a press release.

Gavin and his colleagues surveyed students from both public and private schools in Montreal. The researchers then gauged the teen's perceptions regarding physical activity by interviewing participants in small groups and asking them whether to discuss questions regarding those who were able to miss exercise and how they felt physical activity affected overall mood, actions and personality.

The study shows that while teens did comment on the physical benefits of exercise including flexibility and endurance, they also perceived elements including leadership and team skills development, positive emotional impact and character development to be just as beneficial. These responses were equally common among boys and girls.

"It's a hugely important finding because the marketing of exercise to both adolescents and adults has been largely around how it makes you look better, helps you lose weight," he said, via the release. "It's a hugely important finding because the marketing of exercise to both adolescents and adults has been largely around how it makes you look better, helps you lose weight."

The study also showed interesting information regarding suggestions teens would have for their physical education instructors. "The predominant response was 'we need more variety, choice, and flexibility,'" said Gavin, adding that many said they were on the lookout for new ways to interest themselves in physical activity. "If physical education in the school system looks like running around a gym and doing calisthenics, or playing certain games they've been playing since grade school, then it may not have the appeal or impact they are looking for."

What do you think?

More information regarding the study can be found via SAGE Open.