Physical activity helps keep bones, joints and muscles healthy, but it's important for other reasons too.

Studies have shown that physical activity can have a positive impact on mental health and can help to improve the quality of sleep that teens get. Mood can be improved and energy levels increased through physical activity.

Other health benefits include reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, reduced risk of heart disease and reduced risk of obesity. It helps kids and teens develop healthy habits for life!

Doing the same thing over and over again can get boring for teens, so it's important that they switch things up to keep them interested in different activities.

Taking classes at a local recreation department or community center can be a great way to introduce them to new activities.

One of the best ways to motivate your teen to be active is to find activities that are fun and that they enjoy doing. Start slow, give them control on how to be physically active and make sure that it fits within their schedule.

Instead of emphasizing weight or physical appearance, emphasize that your teen will feel better. It can be helpful to talk about your own experience with physical activity and one of the best things you can do is lead by example! Invite your teen to join you at the gym or on your walks in the evening.

It's recommended that kids and teens get 60 minutes of physical activity each day, but a lot of teens fall short of meeting this recommendation. Most of that activity should be moderate or intense aerobic activity, and in addition, muscle and bone strengthening activities should be done at least 3 times a week.

Organized sports or teams aren't the only way for teens to be physically active. Things such as hiking, going for a bike ride or doing chores that involve movement can help them stay healthy.

Enter into a community 5K run or walk with your teen and train for the event together. Let your teen choose the cause you will run or walk for and think about letting them invite a friend to join.

Talk to your athlete so that they know they can come to you if they have pain or if something doesn't feel right. Sometimes, they'll try and push through pain which can make things worse. Be sure to get your athlete a physical before the sport season starts to make sure there aren't any concerns from their doctor.

Cross-training can help reduce overuse injuries by using different muscles and joints. Participating in multiple sports during the year is another good way to stay in shape while focusing on different muscle groups and joints.

Warming up is also an important habit for all student athletes. Warming up should consist of dynamic, or moving, stretching and static, or still, stretches.

Rest is also important for athletes, as being tired or experiencing fatigue can lead to sports injuries.

Hydration can help reduce heat related illness in athletes, and it's also important for overall health. Along with hydration, nutrition plays an important role in keeping your athlete healthy. A well balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables and lean protein will fuel them for practices and games.

Proper equipment that fits well can help to prevent injuries. Things like helmets, pads and properly fitting shoes can keep teens safe. Alongside equipment, proper technique can help to prevent injuries. Be sure to talk to their coach and make sure they're following guidelines for things like proper tackling, proper throwing technique and the number of repetitions each day.

Teens who are in sports will likely need more energy, or food, along with additional hydration. Besides the extra energy, teen athletes have some specific nutrient requirements that will keep them performing at their best.

• Calcium helps with bone strength and is important to avoid breaks or stress fractures. Low-fat dairy products and leafy greens are good sources of calcium.
• Iron helps with oxygenation of the body and can be found in lean meats, dried fruits, leafy green vegetables and fortified whole grains.
• Protein helps with building and repairing muscles, and most teens get enough protein through a balanced diet. Lean meats, fish, dairy products, beans, nuts and soy products are good sources of protein, but remind your teen that consuming too much protein can lead to calcium loss and dehydration.
• Carbohydrates provide the energy needed to participate in sports and they're an important source of fuel for athletes. Whole grain choices such as whole wheat pasta and breads, fruits and vegetables are good choices for carbohydrates.

When it comes to hydration, water is the best option and it's recommended that athletes drink fluids every 15 to 20 minutes while doing physical activity. It's also important to properly rehydrate after activity. Sports drinks are a good option, as they contain electrolytes, for athletes who engage in strenuous activity for more than one hour.

On game days, a healthy meal should be eaten 3 or more hours before the start of the game and it should consist of carbohydrates, a moderate amount of protein, and it should be low in fat. After the game, it's a good idea to eat carbohydrates within 30 minutes and again two hours later.