29-05-2025
90% of Teens Say Exercise Makes Them Feel Happy—How to Keep Them Active This Summer
Fact checked by Sarah ScottNew survey shows 50% of teens say their fitness levels drop during summer.
Experts say there is a connection between physical and mental health.
Parents can help their teens feel motivated to exercise over the term 'summer slide' is nothing new, and typically refers not to a fun, seasonal party staple, but to learning loss kids can experience when school is out for the year. Another type of slide may also happen over summer break, and involves fewer opportunities and lower motivation for young people to exercise.
Of course, we know that mental health and physical activity are inextricably linked. Recently, Planet Fitness conducted a nationwide survey to better understand teens' exercise habits and well-being, especially during the hotter months of the year.
The survey, which included 1,000 parents of teens ages 14-19, as well as their teens, uncovered some interesting data about the state of teens' mental and physical health.
66% of parents feel concerned about their teens' well-being and stress levels.
72% of parents believe regular exercise can improve their teens' mental wellness.
Three in five teens say their stress and anxiety are not improving—but actually getting worse as they get older.
90% of teens report that exercise helps them feel happy.
93% of teens agree that regular exercise is beneficial when handling challenges.
50% of teens report that their fitness levels decline during summer break.
Meanwhile, it won't come as a huge surprise that 81% of teens admit that screen time and social media eat up a big part of their day. Interestingly, most are also aware that avoiding social media is helpful.
Given these insights, what can parents do to encourage kids to stay active when staying in bed until noon with their devices so temptingly beckoning?
First, it's important to dive into why teens may tend to feel less motivated to seek out exercise when school's not in session.
'When school is out for the summer and after-school sports and activities are on hold, teens often lose the structure and routine they usually follow,' Jamie Medeiros, Chief Brand Officer at Planet Fitness, tells Parents.
Add to that how kids are exhausted from a busy school year, and according to Paul Hokemeyer, JD, PhD, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), 'They want to sleep until noon, and stay up until 3 a.m. playing video games and talking with their friends on SnapChat.'
Indeed, with low-key vibes abound, exercise can start to feel like another chore to check off a to-do list.
Consider too that, as Joy Friedman, MD, an adolescent medicine physician at Nemours Children's Health, points out, over the summer, some teens may lose access to safe exercise facilities.
'They may not have transportation to get to a fitness center, and memberships may not be affordable,' she adds.
We know as adults how much better we feel physically and mentally when we can fit that run or yoga class into our busy schedules.
Teens benefit from exercise in very specific ways, according to Dr. Hokemeyer. He explains that between rapid physiological and psychological changes, at times chaotic sleep patterns, sometimes poor eating habits, and a high susceptibility to negative influences online and via peer groups, exercise can be a highly effective way to boost adolescents' well-being.
'Exercise can be an incredibly helpful tool for maintaining good mental health in teens,' agrees Brook Choulet, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at Choulet Performance Psychiatry. 'Physical activity supports mood regulation and can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improving sleep and cognitive function.'
Physical activity also helps young people connect to peers in a healthy and constructive way.
'Exercise can be a social activity and a way to remain connected with peers during the summer months,' says Dr. Friedman.
The experts we spoke to all agree that one of the best ways to make sure your teen makes physical activity part of their routine is to model healthy behavior.
'Parents have a unique opportunity this summer to set a positive example for their teens by staying active,' stresses Medeiros.
Teens who enjoy exercise have parents who enjoy exercise, according to Dr. Hokemeyer, while Dr. Choulet says, 'If you, as a parent, can model consistent activity yourself, it can set a powerful example for your adolescent.'
Beyond practicing what you preach when it comes to physical activity, other ways to make sure your teen gets enough physical activity over the summer include:
Taking advantage of free programs. Planet Fitness is offering its annual High School Summer Pass program for teens ages 14 – 19 to work out at no charge at its gyms nationwide.
Steering your teen toward . Dance, tennis, swim, strength training; whatever the activity is, Dr. Choulet says, 'It's important to connect physical activity to what your teen values.'
Exercising as a family. Organize a hike or a bike ride to make working out fun, and an opportunity to spend time together.
Encouraging teens to . Whether it's walking the dog, or helping with yard work, movement doesn't have to be structured or lengthy to count!
Doug Newton, MD, MPH, the Chief Medical Officer at Rula, a site that matches patients with therapists, advises acknowledging that finding motivation to exercise can be a challenge.
He further counsels parents to talk with their teens about why they are valuing exercise.
'Open communication about mental health and the benefits of physical activity can further encourage teens to stay active,' Dr. Newton says.
The only caution would be when things go too far. 'Sometimes exercise can become an obsession, and over-exercising can be a symptom of an eating disorder,' Dr. Friedman warns. She advises looking for signs like counting calories consumed versus burned, and canceling plans with others to prioritize exercise.
Read the original article on Parents
