Easy Exercises for Teens

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Finding it hard to fit in fitness? Just getting through a day of school and after-school commitments can leave most of us wondering where to find time.

Experts recommend that teens do 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day. Most of that should be moderate to vigorous aerobic activity. Aerobic activity is anything that gets your heart going — like biking, dancing, or running. Then take a few minutes for some strength training. Exercises like the ones below help build muscle and boost metabolism. Flexibility is the third component of well-rounded exercise. Check out yoga as one way to stay flexible.

You can do these three strength-building exercises at home. There's no need for special equipment, expensive gym fees, or lots of time. Just check with your doctor, PE teacher, or coach first to be sure these exercises are OK for you.

Sit Backs: Step 1

Sit on floor, legs bent
Arms straight in front

Easy Exercises for Teens Sitbacks

Sit Backs: Step 2

Lean back gradually
Keep arms straight and tummy tight
Take it as far back as comfortable
Slowly return to sitting position
Repeat

Sitbacks with model leaning back, arms straight.

Chair Squats: Step 1

Stand tall
Chair behind you

Model demonstrates step 1 of the chair squat exercise

Chair Squats: Step 2

Arms straight in front
Slowly start to sit down
Stop before your butt hits the chair
Slowly straighten to standing
Repeat

Model demonstrates step 2 of the chair squat exercise

Butterfly Breath: Step 1

Stand tall
Feet hip width apart
Arms lifted out to the sides

Model demonstrates step 1 of the butterfly breath with her arms out

Butterfly Breath: Step 2

Exhaling, lift right knee and touch it with left elbow
Inhaling, return to position one
Switch sides and repeat

Model demonstrates step 2 of the butterfly breath exercise

About Sets and Reps

Most fitness instructors recommend repeating a particular strength training exercise several times in a row. These are known as repetitions, or “reps,” and they’re done in “sets.” Each set consists of a specific number of reps, usually between 8 and 15. Fitness instructors often recommend that people rest after one set and then perform another set (or more) of the same number of reps. For the exercises shown above, start with 10 reps, adding sets of 10 as you get comfortable. Rest for 30 seconds between sets.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date Reviewed: Mar 15, 2022