Teenagers gravitate to a wide range of youth sports, from basketball to lacrosse to soccer. Most require maintaining stamina and regular physical conditioning to perform on the court, field, or track. Because teens are typically going through puberty and other bodily changes, workout regimens should accommodate these transitions. If you’re the parent of a young athlete, consider sharing the following fitness tips with your growing child.

How Teenagers Can Make the Most of Their Workouts

1. Always Stretch

Taking the time to stretch muscles will help prevent strains and injuries. Before a teen engages in a youth sports practice, game, or meet, they should focus on stretching core, leg, thigh, and arm muscles for at least 15 minutes. This will help warm up the tissues and joints for the upcoming activity. 

2. Incorporate Cross-Training

Consider including an activity that can help develop the physical skills needed for the intended sport. Cross-training helps build strength and stamina. Also, incorporate workouts such as swimming or running to increase overall endurance.

Encourage your teen athlete to think about the skills needed for their particular sport. Then, add a cross-training session at least once a week that will help build those skills. You can encourage their exercise further by participating in these activities. Start a daily yoga routine or take them to the gym when you go.

3. Develop Healthy Eating Habits

Teen athletes should consider a balanced diet stocked with healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Because teens are still growing, they may need to eat more food due to the number of calories burned while playing sports. Steer clear of sugary or processed foods, which can drain energy and add unwanted pounds. 

 

As the parent of a teen athlete, you want to play a supportive role with their fitness training. Go Hard Basketball in St. Charles, MO, specializes in helping young teenagers reach their maximum potential. This includes learning the fundamentals of basketball and workout training geared toward youth sports participants. To learn more about the center’s basketball programs and exercise sessions, call (314) 723-5604 or visit the Facebook page.