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Super-super Fitness Tips for TeensThe teenage years must surely be the most exciting, but also the most difficult time in the life of most people. It is a time of finding one's feet in the world, and learning to handle all the ups and downs that life throws at us on a daily and hourly basis. To you, as a typical teenager, the downs are unfortunately more than the ups! So then, where does fitness...uhm, fit into this picture? When you feel lethargic, tired, run down and non-energetic, guess how difficult life must seem... Everything is a huge effort, nothing seems like fun, and life is just a drag. However: It is well known that a fit and healthy body is the key to handling life better. With enough energy and vigour, just think what you can achieve! And remember, fitness doesn't necessarily mean working out in the gym frequently, or being overly involved in sport. OK then, all things considered, what can you do to obtain the energy and vigour you need to experience a full and satisfying life? Here's how: 1. You're not going to like this: WATCH LESS TV!!!! A compulsive couch potato cannot lead a fulfilling life. Life is out there, not inside a box! This is not to say that all TV is bad - enjoy yourself with a good movie or whatever from time to time, but not all the time...
2. Eat GOOD foods most of the time. A really nice hamburger, pizza or fried chicken will do no harm if eaten in moderation, but if consumed as staple foods - you will be killing your well-being bite by bite! Also try and nibble on more wholesome snacks, there are MANY of those around, if you take the trouble to look for them. Ask your Mom to get those for you. Examples: Energy bars, dried fruit, nuts, fresh fruit, vegetable sticks with a nice dip sauce, and lots more. Drink lots of water, and cut down on the fizzy drinks and coffee. Nothing wrong with regular treats, but make water, preferably filtered, your main beverage, and see the difference! Go to the Healthy Eating page on this site, and see what foods and beverages are GOOD for you.
3. Do some sort of physical "exercise" - how about dancing, moving with the new WII and other similar "TV games", ice skating, roller skating, swimming and so on? Get yourself involved in something different and challenging. Expand your limits, do the unusual, put your endurance to the test.
4. Surround yourself with positive people and experiences and stay away from people that make their problems yours... But, on the other hand, always try to help others - there is nothing as gratifying as being able to mean something to somebody in your circle of friends or family, or even to a total stranger. Look after your emotional and social well-being.
5. Humans are also very spiritual beings - do not neglect your spiritual needs. Find a place that makes you feel safe to fellowship and share with other like-minded people.
6. Get enough SLEEP! Yes, teens do need lots of sleep, it's part of the growing-up process. The body needs so much energy to grow into an adult, that sleep and rest is absolutely vital. Neglect this important factor at your own risk... We all know that going to bed early is not in a teen's frame of reference, and that you would rather catch up on your sleep in the classroom, the bus, during homework time, not so? But you know the sensible thing to do...
It's never too early to start looking after your body, the only one you have. It is COOL to look after yourself, and you will be the envy of your peers, because of your vitality, energy and zest for life. No money can buy this, it's entirely up to you. How exciting!
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