As a student in high school, life is busy and teens are always on the go. Occupied with classes, sports, work, and trying to spend time with friends and family, it is almost impossible to find time to workout for an hour a day. Although weights classes are available to students and sports usually include working out in the gym, many students do not like to workout in front of their peers or are unsure of where to start.
While going through high school, students are changing, whether it be their emotions, friends, or interests in life. With these many changes continuing to happen, emotions become overwhelming and many find working out to be a healthy release from the world. According to Mayo Clinic, being physically active allows the brain to release chemicals that leave you feeling happier, less anxious and more relaxed. Being a student, this is especially beneficial when talking about college, ACT scores or finals coming around the corner.
Additionally, Mayo Clinic states that working out can also lead to higher self esteem, better sleep, and give boosts of energy. Almost anyone will automatically know that almost every teen is lacking in one of these areas at some point in high school. The Child Mind Institute actually found that 60-70% of American teens live on a fine line of having severe sleep debt, a lack of sleep every night that cumulatively builds up and can cause physical or mental health to diminish.
Along with gaining better sleep, more energy and having higher self esteem, working out is also very beneficial for making new friends with similar hobbies and interests. Many people in the gym have been working out for years and are usually more than willing to help any newcomers figure out the right form and weight for the exercises they want to do. This can help new people feel more comfortable going to the gym and also allow for people to easily make new friends that are good influences.
Although many students have classes, sports, extracurricular activities and so much more going on with their lives, working out at least a few times a week is insanely beneficial for mental and physical health. While it is difficult to find time with so many activities happening, there are some ways to stay on task and also workout during the day. During school hours, there are weights classes and team sports classes that allow . If students can’t find the time to take a class during school, sports keep students physically active almost every day. If sports and school aren’t an option, finding time before school or at the end of the day to stretch or even lift some weights for just a few sets can help drastically.
Altogether, the gym is a safe space that any adolescent can benefit from in many ways. Whether it be getting better sleep at night, having more energy throughout the day or gaining new friends in a new environment. While many high school students are constantly busy with everyday life, working out has many benefits that outweigh any cons that may come with it. Even if it is just a quick 30 minute workout a day, every workout counts and will benefit anyone that puts in effort to better themselves.