Benefits of regular exercise on a young person.

What is exercise?

Exercise involves engaging in physical activity and increasing the heart rate and your breathing rate beyond resting levels. This does not necessarily mean that you need to spend long periods of time in the gym but rather, it can be included in everyday life. For example walking to and from school, cycling, taking the stairs instead of the lift.

What is the recommended amount of exercise a person should do?

The UK government recommends that adults should aim to do 30 minutes of exercise five or more days per week. Children and young people should do around 60 minutes every day.

Why is exercise important?

Exercise is an important part of preserving physical, emotional and social health. Keeping physically active can prevent major illnesses and is the basis for a healthier lifestyle.

What are the benefits of regular exercise to a young person?

• A young person may meet more people at sporting activities which may increase their circle of friends.

• Taking part in sport and exercise improves a young person’s self-esteem and self-confidence as they feel good about themselves - feeling fit and healthy.

• A young person may learn new skills as the chosen exercise may involve working as part of a team or using new equipment.

• A young person may feel that exercising helps to relieve/escape the pressures/stresses of school and family life.

• Regular exercise increases energy levels, allowing a young person to be more active and complete more activities at school and at home.

• Regular exercise reduces boredom as a young person has something to look forward to during the week/weekend.

• Regular exercise can support a good sleep pattern as the body is tired and so a young person feels well-rested after a nights sleep.

• If a young person enjoys exercising and playing sport this is likely to continue into adulthood and can help to prevent heart disease/weight problems when they are an adult.