Adults always tell teenagers “Be happy, this is the best your body will ever be!” But that isn’t an excuse to avoid exercising and taking care of your body. Your body is a temple, and it’s the only one you’ve got for this lifetime! So do these exercises daily if you’re a teenager who cares about taking care of herself.
1. Plank
Plank is definitely one of the best teenage exercises out there! Plank strengthens your core, and a strong core is important because you use it every day for everything, it helps keep your back healthy and strong, improves your posture, and more! Healthy abs will help you infinitely in the present as well as later in life. I consider plank the best core workout because you can multitask in plank-put a book on the floor and read to pass the time, put a phone there instead and you can watch music videos or YouTube! Perfect for a busy teen! Plus, you can mix it up in plank; challenge yourself at your own pace by putting one arm up, inverting your plank, or going onto your elbows.
2. Daily Jog
Cardio exercise is important for heart health, and is a great habit to form when you’re young. Going on a daily thirty minute jog will benefit your body so much! Within a few weeks, you’ll notice that you have more energy, you’ve slimmed down, and are building muscle. For double the benefits, jog before school with a friend so that you can wake up your brain and focus better in class!
3. Nightly Walk
A 30 minute jog is great, but you’re supposed to have 60 total minutes of cardio per day. So what’s a girl to do? You can go for a quick-paced evening stroll every day to fulfill your daily cardio requirement. Plus, it’s a great way to wind down the evening and get tired before bed!
4. Roll Ups
Roll ups are a little bit different, and in my opinion a little bit better, than the traditional crunch. This motion is 30% more effective when targeting your “six-pack” muscles. Doing 8-10 reps of these will not only strengthen your core and build up visible muscles, but also improve your posture by strengthening your lower back!
5. Cobra Pose
I am absolutely in love with anything relating to yoga! However, this pose is definitely one of my favorites that I couldn’t live without. Cobra pose is good for a number of bodily improvements; it prevents slouching, improves posture, and strengthens your lower back muscles. Plus, out of all yoga poses, it’s one of the easiest to perform! To do cobra, lie on your stomach, place your palms next to your shoulders, then press up, lifting your hips off the ground, and hold for at least five breaths.
6. Goddess Squats
My least favorite place to gain weight, and I’m assuming this goes for a lot of other teens, is my inner thighs! It just isn’t very cute! While I definitely don’t recommend working out with the goal of getting a “thigh gap”, or simply to look good to impress boys, I do recommend doing goddess squats to eliminate excess fat in an unwanted area! Goddess squats are basically wide-legged plie squats. They burn, but in a good way!
7. Luminosity
Don’t forget that your brain is a muscle, too! In fact, it’s your most important body part because you literally could not live without it! To exercise your brain, play mental games, like those on luminosity, or simply complete crossword puzzles and sodoku. Over time, you’ll increase your mental flexibility, speed, and strength-just like your body!
I think it’s important for young girls to love their bodies just the way they are! Your body doesn’t need to change in order to be beautiful, because it already is completely gorgeous! However, since you love your body so much, it’s your duty to take good care of it! Which of these exercises will you try first? How will you fit it into your busy schedule?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best exercises for teenage girls to stay fit?
- A mix of cardio, strength training, flexibility, balance, and core workouts is ideal for overall fitness.
- How long should I exercise daily to stay healthy?
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day to maintain good health.
- Is strength training safe for teenage girls?
- Yes, when done with proper form and supervision, strength training is safe and beneficial for teens.
- Why is stretching important in a daily exercise routine?
- Stretching improves flexibility, reduces injury risk, and helps muscles recover after workouts.
- Can exercise help with stress and mood in teenage girls?
- Absolutely, regular physical activity boosts mood-enhancing endorphins and reduces stress levels.
- How often should I include cardio exercises like running or cycling?
- Try to include cardio exercises at least 3-5 times a week for heart health and endurance.
- What role does core strength play in fitness for teenage girls?
- Strong core muscles improve posture, balance, and can prevent back pain.
- Are bodyweight exercises effective for teenagers?
- Yes, exercises like squats, push-ups, and planks are great for building strength without equipment.
- Should I focus on high-intensity workouts or moderate activities?
- A balance of moderate and occasional high-intensity workouts provides maximum benefits without burnout.
- How can I stay motivated to exercise every day?
- Set realistic goals, vary your workouts, and find fun activities to keep your routine enjoyable.