11Exercise habits that you need to cultivate in your teens

Habits are developed over the years. So the sooner we develop good habits the easier they will stick to us. It doesn’t just end with that. Unhealthy habits take a toll on your health in the long run. So start early to get the maximum benefits to your health.

Here are some habits that are best started early:

  • Drink water

Water is essential for the overall health of your body. One must drink at least 2 liters of water a day. Water will flush out the toxins in your system and also help in the renewal and repair of cells in your body.

  • Strength training

Strength training is good for your body’s metabolism. It even improves your posture and keeps your muscles as fit as ever. Do adopt strength training in the form of lifting weights or body lifts or circuit training to maximize the strength of your body.

  • Stretch

Don’t forget to stretch before and after a workout. Stretching helps loosen any tight muscles and help them stretch enough to do the workout easily. This habit will prevent injuries from occurring while exercising.

  • Listen to what your body says

If your body is telling you that it can’t take anymore exercise then do listen to what its saying. Your body has its limits. Everybody has its own capacity and limitations. Do not strain your body to a limit more than it can take. It might be a good idea to listen to your body even at meal times. Stop eating when you start feeling full instead of eating for the sake of eating.

  • Include exercise in your daily schedule

Exercise is essential for the good health of your body. Be it something strenuous as an hour long session of aerobics or something as mild as an hour walk in the park; don’t skip this important habit from your daily schedule.

  • Give a shot at yoga

Try some relaxing activity like yoga. Yoga is supposed to give you a relaxing feel along with giving your body the desired posture.

  • Make exercise fun

Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean you have to head to the gym. You can give your body it’s much needed workout by adopting a new fitness style or regime like taking up dance classes or zumba. Whatever the fitness activity, the fun in the activity is what counts.

  • Try different exercises

Repetitively doing the same exercises will make your body get used to it and not be as effective as it should be. Instead exercise differently everyday so that your body is challenged and does not expect the same.

  • Give your body its much needed rest

Do not over work your body. Your body also needs rest. As a matter of fact, a day to allow your body to recover is ideal so that benefit more from the workouts that you do.

  • Right posture

It is very important that you maintain the right posture at all times. Keep your back straight and don’t hunch. If you want to get the best out of a workout you need to maintain the right posture while doing them.

  • Don’t starve your body after a workout

Eat a light snack before a workout and don’t forget to eat something healthy after the workout as well. Do not eat junk food, instead eat something with protein and a little carbs to replenish your energy and also repair those muscles and cells.

Written by: Rasha Ashraf