Why a Gym Might Be Good for your Teen

By Carl Banks, personal trainer

Working out at home is a great thing, but for teenagers, who aren't always self-motivated, it may be a good idea to explore why a gym might be good for your teen. I've provided some reasons why, and then give you some tips about what to look for.

Why a gym might be good for your teen reasons:

-They can work with an expert who will teach them how to exercise correctly for their body type. Doing a weight machine incorrectly can cause an injury, so getting instructionis wise.

-They will get structure and guidance. For many teens, having a structured routine will benefit them as they grow older and are required to have more structure in their lives.

-They won't have the same type of distractions as they would at home (phone, computer, TV). Oftentimes these distractions keep people from actually beginning their workout.

-They'll learn responsibility, good habits, and things about their bodies.

-They'll build confidence and self-esteem, which often carries over into other areas of their lives.

-They'll make new friends and be exposed to others of all ages that care about their health.

-They'll be less likely to abuse their bodies with unhealthy substances.

What are things parents should look for in a gym?

-Flexibility in membership. Many clubs offer a special student rate.

-A wide variety of programming. Find a gym that offers the types of classes that your teen is interested in. And find one with multiple classes and a rate structure that encourages different classes, like cross-training.

So now you know why a gym might be good for your teen.