Adolescents are a growing population with unique physical activity needs. As they transition from childhood to adulthood, their bodies are changing and developing. As such, physical activity requirements for adolescents are different from those of adults. This article examines the recommended amount of physical activity for adolescents and how it differs from that of adults.
Adolescent Physical Activity Requirements
Physical activity is important for adolescents for health, growth, and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adolescents aged 6-17 years should participate in a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. This activity should include aerobic activities such as running, cycling, and swimming, as well as muscle-strengthening activities such as weightlifting, gymnastics, and calisthenics.
Adolescents should also take part in activities that promote flexibility, balance, and coordination. To support these activities, adolescents should be encouraged to find activities that they enjoy and that fit their lifestyle.
Fewer Hours Than Adults Needed
Adolescents require fewer hours of physical activity than adults because their bodies are still developing and growing. While adults need to engage in vigorous physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week, adolescents only need to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 60 minutes per day. Additionally, adolescents should also engage in activities that promote flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Adolescents should also be encouraged to find activities that they enjoy and that fit their lifestyle. This can include sports, dancing, running, or any other activity that gets them moving and keeps them active.
Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for adolescents. While adults need at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, adolescents only need 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. Additionally, adolescents should also be encouraged to find activities that they enjoy and that promote flexibility, balance, and coordination. By doing so, adolescents can ensure they are getting the physical activity they need for healthy growth and development.
Adolescence is a period of physical, psychological and biological development in the life of a person that occurs between childhood and adulthood. During this period, adolescents undergo many changes that influence their health and require them to pay special attention to physical activity. However, despite this need for physical activity, research has suggested that adolescents require less total physical activity than adults.
A study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that during adolescence the need for physical activity decreases. This decrease in physical activity levels is lesser in comparison to adults due to increased levels of energy, metabolic-and-endocrine changes and differences in body composition of the two age-ranges.
Physical activity is beneficial in many ways. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves cardiovascular health and promotes the growth and development of adolescents. According to the World Health Organization, adolescents should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day – including aerobic activities, muscle strengthening, and bone strengthening activities – to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Despite this decrease in the need for physical activity, researchers stress that it is important for adolescents to stay active. Decreasing physical activity can result in obesity, diabetes, heart diseases and even depression. Furthermore, physical activity is essential for the growth and development of adolescents, as it helps to improve coordination, agility, and strength.
In conclusion, while adolescents require fewer hours of physical activity than adults, it is still important for them to stay active. Proper physical activity helps to maintain a healthy lifestyle, an optimal physical and mental growth, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is important for adolescents to engage in physical activity at least 60 minutes a day to ensure maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
