Teens better aware of mental benefits of exercise than parents

A new study has revealed that teens are just as aware of the mental benefits of exercise- such as increased confidence, self-esteem and autonomy- as they are of physical benefits.

The research by James Gavin, professor in Concordia University's Department of Applied Human Sciences, has found that adolescents are savvy about the lingo of exercise, seeing it as part of a lifestyle, whereas a generation ago there might have been less of a pervasive awareness.

Gavin and his colleagues surveyed students from both public and private schools in Montreal and gauged teens' perceptions of physical activity by interviewing participants in small groups and asking them to discuss questions such as what they thought people got out of exercise, and how they thought physical activity affected overall mood, actions, and personality.

Teens perceived elements like leadership and team skills development, positive emotional impact, and character development to be just as beneficial.

The study also found that these responses were equally common among boys and girls.