In this article, we will analyze fundamental aspects of adolescence and its relationship with physical exercise. An essential stage to develop healthy habits and encourage exercise in adolescence.
General Aspects of Adolescence
Adolescence is a stage of conclusion of childhood development, which is between childhood and adulthood, where there are important physical changes, both at the body level (increase in size and weight), and at the hormonal level (increases the testosterone and estrogens), there are changes in the psyche, their thoughts and desires, that these changes are manifested, at a physiological, physical and psychological level, being crossed by their lifestyles and customs.
In this sense, it can be understood that adolescence begins with puberty, which ranges from 10 to 14 years for girls and 12 to 16 years for boys, and culminates around 19 to 21 years of age.
Therefore, hormonal changes occur, the reproductive stage would begin and secondary sexual changes are seen, and it would end when these changes stabilize in adulthood (3 and 9).
Here their habits of life and customs are consolidated, which can sustain them until adulthood. That is why it is necessary to positively influence their activities and physical exercises, both from Training and Physical Education, promoting healthy habits, hygiene, and ensuring a better quality of life.
To do this, sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity have a negative influence on the quality of life of young people and from the promotion of physical activity and exercise in adolescence, it seeks to counteract these bad habits and damages that it brings to their health, and improve it both metabolically, physically and psychologically.
Phases of adolescence
It is crossed by two periods; the first pubertal phase (pubescence) and the second pubertal phase (adolescence) .
First Pubertal Phase
The first pubertal phase begins between the ages of 11 and 12 in girls and between 12 and 13 in boys, and lasts until the age of 13-14 or 14-15 years. Critical behavior appears, desire for independence, self-responsibility, questioning of authorities, different discrepancies that lead to conflicts, in many cases, little by little distancing from parents, teachers and coaches and greater dedication to groups of the same age.
Second Phase of Puberty
The second stage, adolescence, begins between the ages of 13 and 14 in girls and between 14 and 15 in boys, lasting until the age of 17 and 18 or 18 and 19, body proportions are harmonized, strength increases, Coordinative abilities improve, optimal conditions for sports training are created, and the intensity of the load can be increased.
One might think that adolescence is a stage in which one ceases to be a child and gradually begins to be an adult, with its domestic, work, student and sports responsibilities.
And with the latter, there is the great importance of exercise in adolescence, to promote full development, both organic, physiological and psychological, but it is often affected by sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity, and this would bring Health risks.
Also see: 5 Benefits of Nordic Walking
