Encourage Teens to Play Organized Sports

Previous research has demonstrated that individuals with poor fitness levels as they enter adulthood have an increased risk for a number of negative health outcomes. In this study, researchers found that teens who participated in organized sports during late adolescence had higher fitness levels at age 19 than their peers who did not. The authors conclude, “From a health perspective, in terms of [cardiorespiratory fitness], the findings highlight the importance of encouraging adolescents to participate in organized sport and to refrain from dropping out of organized sports programs.” Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, April 2018