The resources we have at our fingertips can motivate or prevent us from being physically active. It is particularly important for youth who may not be able to leave the area where they live. Teens need to be able to exercise close to where they live, as being active in our youth and teenage years has a lasting impact on our health. A questionnaire was used to monitor exercise motivation.
We looked at how distances from home and school, as well as public transport, natural spaces, and parks (including woods), affect fitness and activity levels. We discovered that teens often have to travel to get active and that green spaces near schools increase activity levels. We found that teens who live in more deprived neighborhoods were fitter.
Exercise and fitness
Our research found that teens (especially girls) were more active when their homes were located near public transportation. Those who live near public transport may not own a vehicle. This could also be a sign that teens are willing and able to travel in order to do things they enjoy or get more exercise while traveling to school or seeing friends.
The fact that you can travel for physical activity doesn’t diminish the importance of local activities. The creation of opportunities for people to get active in their community can help improve their fitness and make it more accessible for those who cannot afford public transportation.
Also, we found that teens performed better in the Cooper Run Test when their school was located near green spaces. Nearby green areas could allow schools to offer more active PE lessons and outdoor breaks. A green space can also encourage outdoor learning and active play. All of these can improve overall fitness.
Green spaces can also be a place where young people can spend time after school with their friends or cycle. Schools that have better access to nature may be located in less urbanized areas and, therefore, further from regions with high traffic. A safe place to exercise will allow youth to become more independent.
Our research also shows that increasing activity and improving fitness are not inherently linked. This is because the time spent lying or sitting down increases at the same rate as physical activity. This is particularly true for boys. Teens who participate in structured sports and compete with others may have periods of inactivity that are longer than the formal training period. Perhaps they feel the need to rest between. It is not necessarily true that active teens will be fitter.
The fitness level of athletes who play structured sports or compete in competitions is not necessarily increased by playing these sports. Sergey Novikov/ Shutterstock
We should encourage teens to engage in different activities (such as yoga and walking), which are beneficial for both cardiovascular fitness and health. Access to a variety of activities in the community can promote physical activity.
Our study also found that teenage girls from less affluent areas were more active. May not participate in structured activities such as sports, but teens from less wealthy regions might be more engaged because they have to – for example, walking or cycling to school.
In this context, communities need to promote and maintain active travel infrastructure such as cycle tracks, pavements, and car-free areas. It is also possible to increase fitness by creating affordable opportunities for physical activity and providing teens with a place to hang out with their local friends.
It is important to take into consideration the key findings from our research. Our research reveals which teens engage in fitness activities and what factors affect their fitness level. These findings could inform communities and assist them in creating more opportunities for teens to be active. Communities can encourage teens to become more involved by creating more local places for them to play, live, and connect to friends and family.
Our research revealed how much the school environment affects the activity levels of teenagers. Our findings suggest that schools could be used to help improve fitness by serving as a community hub. The school grounds are not used for physical activity and play after the day’s teaching. It is important to provide a place for teenagers who are less active after school.
Physical activity at a young age creates habits that last a lifetime and can help prevent poor health in later life. By creating more opportunities for physical activity in our communities, we can improve the health of all.
