What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “fitness”?
It could be the sound of an alarm pulling you out of bed early for a morning jog or the rush of finishing a last set at the gym. It might even be a refreshing stretch after a day hunched over books. Fitness is more than just exercise, it is about building habits for a healthy life.
In a world where balancing academics, friendships and family is already challenging, adding fitness can seem overwhelming. Yet, fitness plays a crucial role in shaping both the body and mind, creating stability amidst the turbulence of teenage life.
Bridgewater-Raritan High School sophomore Himani Konda shared her perspective.
“Finding time for fitness has been hard with all my AP classes, but I notice a difference when I keep active. It helps me focus more when I sit down to study, and I’m in a better mood,” she said.
Another sophomore, Ajay Dinesh, echoed these benefits. “I love running in the mornings before school. I used to always feel tired, but now I feel more energized throughout the day,” he shared. For teens like Dinesh, even a short run or workout in the morning can positively affect energy levels, making the day’s challenges easier to tackle.
Sophomore Apurva Ramasamy added a different perspective, focusing on how fitness helps with social life. “I joined the school’s swim team, and it’s been a great way to make friends. We’re all working hard and pushing each other, so it feels like a family,” she said. Social interactions and friendships are key parts of high school life, and fitness activities; whether through sports teams or gym groups; foster meaningful connections outside of class.
Sophomore Shanaya Keote reflected on the habits she built in sophomore year, keeping her balanced despite a busier schedule. “Last year, I started going to the gym with a friend. Now it’s part of my routine. With harder classes, it’s nice to have something that keeps me focused,” she said. Building fitness habits early creates a foundation that supports mental and physical health as responsibilities grow through high school.
As teens navigate the academic and social ups and downs of high school, fitness can be a grounding factor, offering both physical strength and mental resilience. While every teenager’s experience with fitness is unique, many find it to be a source of confidence, a boost to productivity and a key to better health overall. Though fitting it in isn’t always easy, fitness remains an important element that supports teens in reaching their full potential.