40% of children between the ages of 5-8 years old are obese, inactive, have high blood pressure or cholesterol levels.

Aerobics

Aerobic exercise conditions the heart and lungs by increasing the oxygen available to the body and by enabling the heart to use oxygen more efficiently. In addition to cardiovascular benefits, other benefits of aerobic exercise include:

• Control of body fat. (Aerobic exercise in conjunction with strength training and a proper diet may reduce body fat.)
  
• Increased resistance to fatigue and extra energy.
  
• Toned muscles and increased lean body mass.
  
• Decreased tension and aid in sleeping.
  
• Increased general stamina.
  
• Psychological benefits - exercise improves mood, reduces depression and anxiety.

Choose from a variety of styles of aerobics including kickboxing, indoor cycling, step, low impact, and dance aerobics scheduled at convenient times. Try to incorporate different styles to vary your routine and challenge yourself!

Make it Fun!

Physical Fitness and Health does not necessarily have to mean running 5 miles a day and eating yogurt for breakfast lunch and dinner. Fitness can actually be fun! For example, walk to the library and back with a couple of friends, or sign up for a trial aerobic class before jumping right in and buying a membership. In order for more teens to be more physically fit, each one has to examine what kind of commitment they want to have towards improving their state of health. Remember, everyone is different.