There are many different ways to get teenagers to exercise. Here are a few ways to get teenagers up and off the couch.

Make it Fun

If you want to get teens motivated then you need to make it fun. Find exercises that you know they enjoy, whether that be swimming or just a simple jog. There are a lot of gyms and groups to join, for example, dance, trampolining, cricket, football or running clubs. These do cost money but it is a fun way to get teens up and active. They can compete in different competitions and always practise.

Not only do these sports and clubs get teens active, but they also become sociable, making new friends and talking to new people. Teens can ask friends to come to the gym with them or go on a daily jog. If they have somebody to do it with, it will keep them motivated. They should also keep to a routine – write down when they want to go out and exercise, how long for and what time they are going.

Talk About the Importance of Exercise

Sit down and talk to your teenager about the importance of exercise. Talk about the health benefits and try to encourage them as much as possible to exercise. Explain how it is good for their mental as well as physical health. Exercising reduces the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and more in later life.

Encourage walking – the exercise does not have to be too energetic but as long as they are up and moving that is all that matters. Tell them there is a risk of high BMI if you are not active, exercising builds up your muscles and of course it keeps you fit and stable.

Dog Walking

If you have a dog, get your teen to take it on daily walks or runs. They can run with it around the park or take long strolls down the streets. If you do not have a dog, ask a family member if your teen can walk theirs. They could also ask for an allowance – this will keep teenagers motivated if they get something from it. Look for fascinating places to go, whether it be a forest or a park. They might even like to take a camera to take some photos of the places they explore.

Do it as a Family

Exercising as a family can be a lot more motivational. There are many ways of keeping fit all together and it increases family bonding. Go on daily jogs around the park together and leave the technology at home. You could go swimming weekly or as often as you like (most teenagers enjoy swimming and see it more as a fun activity rather than exercise). Get a football goal board and play football in a park or in your own back garden. Go on family bike rides or hikes, doing this could introduce you to new places that you have not seen before.

Buy a trampoline for the garden, again teens will see this as a fun piece of equipment.  Play a game of rounders, cricket, football, or netball in the park. If you own a dog then go on daily walks, the dog will also love the exercise. Go to different parks to where you usually would go. It is exciting for teenagers to go somewhere different. Make sure to keep it a regular event each week to go out and exercise to keep the whole family active and healthy.

Offer Incentives

If you are still struggling to motivate your teenager then offer incentives. Take away their technology and only allow it back after they have done the exercising you have asked them to do. Allow them to purchase new exercise equipment – treadmills and exercise bikes are good to keep in a shed, especially in the winter when it is too cold to go outside for a run. New trainers and new sportswear are also essential if you want your teenager to exercise. Reward and praise them, this will encourage them to continue exercising.

About the Author 

Emily Dick is mom to Daisy, an energetic and lively 3-year-old! Emily is currently writing for Whooops.a.Daisy, a parenting review site which aims to help parents find products their children will love. Here, she writes about a range of products from baby bottles to gift ideas for children of all ages.