2. Fitness Tips and Facts • Reduce anxiety, stress, and depression • Improve self-esteem • Boost academic performance • Help establish lifelong healthy habits
3. Individual Pursuits Team play isn't for everyone. Some pre-teens and teens prefer activities they can practice on their own, such as running, biking, yoga, horseback riding, or snowboarding. If one of these is more your child's style, help her embrace and enjoy it!
5. For kids this age, organized sports provide not only physical activity, but good friendships and lessons in teamwork, motivation, and staying organized. Most schools have many different sports options, both competitive and intramural. If your child's favorite sport isn't offered, check out recreational leagues and community centers.
7. Parents who are physically active tend to have kids who are active, too. So strive to be a role model. Make time for exercise in your daily life and find family fitness activities to share (such as a Saturday picnic at a park—pack jump ropes and Frisbees along with the sandwiches and lemonade).
