Life & Style | Health
SlimLines
SlimLines
- By Alva Carpenter
- Published: 00:10 March 19, 2008
SlimLines is a weekly advice column devoted to slimming, diet and exercise. Readers' questions are appreciated and a selection will be replied to in the column by its author, Alva Carpenter, a nutritionist and fitness expert with long experience in health problems associated with the Gulf countries
What puts young women off sport?
Why is it that many girls tend to go off all physical exercise at a certain age? As children, boys and girls both seem keen on all sorts of sports games and physical activities. But most boys go on to enjoy competitive sports right through their mid teens
Physical education teachers complain that girls turn up late for lessons without their kit or with a sick note from mum. The girls complain that they don't like running around getting sweaty. Many girls see being competitive as not a female attribute and do not want to compete.
Many girls lack confidence and feel they are not good at sport so do not want to try, for fear of being embarrassed or not picked for the team. At a certain age girls don't want to be thought of as sporty or competitive but ladylike and feminine. It is also in these teen years that girls are aware of the changes in their bodies and desire more privacy. They may also feel very aware of their body shape in their gym kit. Some girls may also be worried about building big muscles and reject exercise for that reason.
Having fun
Teachers need to be sensitive to these feeling and help these girls to continue to enjoy exercise and adapt lessons to their group's needs so that the less sporty girls or the less competitive girls can still enjoy exercise and have some fun. Some children enjoy team games and some children do not so there should be a variety of sporting activities ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Often teachers are not trained in aerobics and dance and so are unable to offer their pupils a wide selection of activities. Exercise is important for young women and it is not about simply working out to get the perfect body. It helps them feel better about themselves and it is empowering. It is also release endorphins that give a feeling of confidence and well being.
Exercise is very important. Sport gives you physical confidence and self esteem and can also teach you about life. Team games can teach you how to stay motivated and win even when the odds are against you by never giving up. Team games should not be simply for the top players but there should always be A, B, C and D teams so that everyone who wants to take part can do so and have fun whatever their level. Taking exercise makes you feel comfortable with your body image and improves and tones your shape.
A break from stress
The teen years are the years of exam pressure and these are the years when you need your exercise as a complete break from stress.
The exercise will give you the energy to feel confident that you can do the very best you can. Sitting hunched over the computer and books is not good for your posture. You need regular breaks not just television breaks You need at least half an hour of moderate exercise daily and this can be walks in the parks, dance videos or exercising routinely in the privacy of your own bedroom.
My mini-morning workout is suitable for this purpose and you can get a free e-guide from minign259@naturalhealthlines.com
Pilates
Pilates is a good choice of for women of all ages shapes sizes and abilities. Pilates can help you achieve a nice flat stomach, slender toned thighs and toned arms. It gives you a long lean look and does not build big muscles. Girls have to be over 12 years to take part.
It is a complete exercise method developed by its founder Joseph Pilates over the course of a lifetime dedicated to improving physical and mental health.
Pilates is a gentle, non-aerobic exercise, which lengthens and strengthens the muscles, and it greatly improves posture, without stressing the joints or the heart. Indeed, doctors now recommend Pilates as one of the safest forms of exercise available. The best way to get started with Pilates is to join a class.
Share this article
More from Health
More from Life & Style
Covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle
Popular in Life & Style
-
Horoscopes
Daily Horoscope
Shelly von Strunckel reveals whats in the stars today
Life & Style editor's choice
-
Basque inflavour
Etxebarri restaurant, on the list of the 50 best eateries in the world
-
BMW X5 M brings a smile to your face
What the X5 M can do that the standard X5 can't with many sports cars
-
Things to see and do in Abu Dhabi
Explore takes a lap round the vibrant and ever-changing UAE capital
