Regular physical activity for teens helps build healthy bones, muscles, joints, lean muscle, and helps control weight. Exercise also reduces the risk of developing many diseases, like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, and even some types of cancer, later in life. Adolescents clearly benefit from physical activity, and this activity does not need to be strenuous to be beneficial. Moderate amounts of daily physical activity are recommended for people of all ages. This usually means engaging in a moderate activity, like brisk walking for 30 minutes or a more intense exercise, like jogging or playing basketball for 15-20 minutes.
More activity can be good, but only to a point.
Too much physical activity can lead to injury or other health problems. If you are interested in becoming more physically active, it is a good idea to start slowly and gradually increase your exercise. Activities that are fun and involve friends and family are easier to make into a habit than those that seem like a chore. If you have more questions about becoming physically active, talk to your doctor. Always consult your own doctor about any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition.