Healthy Tips for Teens to Have a Stronger Midsection

When it comes to body image, there’s probably no demographic with more anxiety than teenagers. From the tender ages of eleven or twelve, young people are faced with pressures to physically emulate the unrealistic images of supermodels, athletes, rock stars, and actors. And this idol worshipping isn’t limited to just fashion and hairstyles -- often, it extends to the chiseled, six-pack abs that have become ingrained in their heads as the epitome of physical fitness. It’s a common goal for both genders: teenage boys and girls alike are equally compelled to achieve the holy grail of a flat tummy, whether their goal is to look great in a swimsuit, to attract the attention of the opposite sex, or both.

Teenagers’ exercise regimens and diet habits should be approached a bit differently than those of adults. Although they may be capable of many of the same things as older people, their bodies are technically still developing. Attempts at change now may be futile, as genetics will play a key role in their ultimate physical makeup. That said, there’s no reason teens can’t take part in regular exercise. As long as they don’t take it to the extreme, a moderate fitness routine can greatly boost a teen’s overall sense of health and well-being.

Below, we’ve listed some tips to pass along to teens who are chasing that elusive washboard stomach:

• Set realistic expectations. Not everyone is predisposed to attain a six-pack. Heredity has a big say in how our abdominals will ultimately look, and how easy or difficult it will be to lose the layer of fat obscuring them. A sculpted stomach takes a lot of work, and it won’t happen overnight.

• Don’t overdo it. When beginning an abdominal routine, trying to do too much too soon can strain those muscles and ultimately reap fewer benefits. Stomach muscles need a day of rest in between each workout to repair themselves and to prepare for the next round of exercises.

• Crunches alone won’t do it. You can do a thousand a day, but if you continue to load up on fast food, high-sugar snacks, and carbonated beverages, those muscles you worked so hard to develop will never see the light of day. Cardio exercise helps too, as it burns more fat calories and speeds up your metabolism.

• Focus on quality, not quantity. Doing 500 inefficient crunches will be much less beneficial than 50 well-executed ones. Slow down, focus on controlled form, and be careful not to injure yourself. It may even be a good idea to have a trained professional evaluate your technique to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your crunches.

While it’s admirable for teens to set healthy goals for physical fitness and muscular development, it’s important for them not to let those goals become their primary focus. With so many other sources of stress and uncertainty, preteens and teens should learn to embrace their bodies and enjoy their day-to-day activities. As long as they eat healthy and stay active, everything else will fall into place.

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