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School The Australian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that children and young people should have 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity everyday and should spend no more than two hours per day using electronic media such as game consoles or television. Schools, childcare centres and after school care are critical settings for intervention. They provide access to physical activity opportunities for children, young people and their families, instilling the importance of physical activity at an early age. Teachers play a crucial role in developing an environment that encourages physical activity within the school setting. Sport and Recreation Tasmania will assist teachers to provide the appropriate programs to achieve this. An important aspect of work within schools is identifying pathways for ongoing opportunities for physical activity, sport and recreation and teachers play a very important role in encouraging physical activity. While parents continue to play the primary role in bringing up their children, we all need to tackle this issue – in partnership with schools, sporting communities, the health sector and the food industry. Physical Activity for Teenagers From when you’re 12 to the time you’re 18 you probably go through more changes than you do in the rest of your life.
You go from primary school to high school. Then there’s Year 11 and 12, the exams, the increased workload at school and the larger social activity after it. There’s sport. There’s all the other physical activity you do, even if it’s only running for the bus. And throughout these years there are the friendships, relationships and all the ups and downs.
Most teenagers find that they get less active as they get a bit older. Think about all those games you used to play when you were a kid. Without those, you’re probably not as active as you used to be. And school gets harder too, leaving even less time to get out and do things. Inactivity really kicks in once we hit the teenage years and it usually affects more girls than guys.
The solution, of course, is activity and it doesn’t need to be strenuous. A daily walk is enough to make a healthy difference. The benefits of keeping active when you are a teenager are huge. It helps you relax and sleep better by relieving stress and tension. It builds up stamina and improves concentration. And socially, it’s the perfect way to make new friends or keep in touch with old ones.
Here are 20 ways to keep up with others in your class
- Get more play into your day. There are loads of ways to get active and have fun too. Go skateboarding, fly a kite, throw a frisbee or kick a ball around with your mates. Walk the dog, shoot some hoops or play footy with friends, dive on in or dance yourself silly.
- Get organised. Play football, basketball, netball, tennis, hockey, soccer or any other group sport. You could also enrol in dancing, go rollerblading, bowling or join a swim team.
- Show up for Phys Ed. Develop and practise basic skills like throwing, catching, hopping, skipping and jumping.
- Warm up first. Start your program slowly every time and gradually pick up the pace. Do some stretches before a run or strenuous activity.
- Cool down last. As you complete your activity session cool down your muscles by slowing the pace of your activity before stopping.
- Prevent injuries. Make sure you always wear the right protective gear for the activities you choose such as helmets, knee-pads and mouth-guards.
- Work out a plan. Figure out the best time to squeeze in your chosen activities, either before or after school, or work. Don’t waste your weekends or holidays vegging out in front of the telly.
- Take a study break. Study is important. But even if it’s your absolute number one priority, try to work your activity program around it.
- Get serious. Try to include some vigorous huff and puff stuff a few times a week and make it last for 15 minutes or more each time.
- Lighten up. If spending hours jogging or swimming laps isn’t your thing to do, try something as easy as dancing around your bedroom to your favourite CD.
- Break out. If you fancy a bit of a challenge, or something different, take up rock climbing, water polo, volleyball, fencing, discus, javelin or archery. Ask your PE teacher or at your local community centre about getting started.
- Miss the bus. Walk to school, ride a bike, rollerblade or jog to the shops. Or get off the tram or bus a few stops early and walk the rest of the way.
- Cut down screen time. Count how many hours you spend in front of the telly and try to cut down. The same goes for the computer. Surfing the net and sending emails can be totally absorbing, but limit the time you spend staring at the screen.
- Get involved locally. Look for social involvement such as joining sporting clubs or taking part in community or school events.
- Keep motivated. Involve other people - friends, family, work mates and neighbours - to help maintain interest in your physical activities.
- Get some coaching. If you show promise in a particular sport or you want to improve your skills, think about getting a coach, trainer or mentor. Don’t be shy; ask your PE teacher or local community centre.
- Stay focused. Sometimes other commitments get in the way of your activity plans. Don’t get put off because of a missed activity, just pick up from where you left off.
- Slip, slop, slap. Even on cooler days, make sure you’re protected against UV rays.
- Drink plenty of water. Drink water before, during and after each activity.
- Tell someone who cares. If an activity takes you away from home, always tell someone where you’re going and for how long.
(Content reproduced with permission from the Victorian Government's 'Go for your life' initiative) Click here for a printable PDF version of tips on how to keep up with others in your class. <- Return to Physical Activity Settings including community, home, school and workplace
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