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Tess Allen

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When was the last time you broke a sweat? Were you lifting heavy weights, pounding your feet on a merciless treadmill, or pushing for that last, breathless sit-up? If you're of that type, then you've got nothing to worry about. However, if you're the type of person who breaks a sweat from climbing up the porch-steps, or who starts panting from the simple exertion of heading to the kitchen to get some more Doritos, then that might be a good indication that you need to start challenging your body a little more. And what better way to challenge your body than exercise.

I know, I know, for some it's a scary word; laughable even! The truth is, the actual thought of exercising can scare people away before they even try it. All that hard work? And for what, monstrous pit stains and the chance of smelling like a rotten BigMac? It doesn't sound too appealing. However, some teens don't realize the enormous benefits that exercising can do for your body! If you're someone who's really passionate about getting fit or losing weight, exercise is a guaranteed way to make you feel like a million bucks, without the scary notions of starving yourself or consuming diet-pills like they were a box of boston-cream doughnuts. There are better ways to fit into that cute dress you saw at Le Chateau, ways that won't have you risking your health.

Something else that can turn teens off exercising is the thought that it's boring. This isn't necessarily true at all. Though exercising generally tends to be a physically strenuous activity, it can be fun if you choose an exercise that you enjoy. Joining your local gym isn't the only way to get fit. For example, if you're someone who gags at the thought of pumping iron in a crowded gym, consider the sports you always get excited to play in gym class. Are you someone who loves to play hockey? Do you excel on the basketball court? Can you hit a tennis ball really hard? Believe it or not, these sports can challenge your body even more than hitting the gym. Generally, as long as you're moving, it can probably be classified as some type of exercise.

Another thing that can make teens recoil from the idea of exercise is the common misconception that we'll be instantly transformed into Angelina Jolie the second we step onto the treadmill for the first time. Unfortunately for all the weight-watching teens out there, it takes a lot more work to achieve that level of bonyness, and not necessarily the kind of work that's going to do your body any good. It's never a good idea to choose a role-model when it comes to losing weight. Most teens will wind up choosing someone like Kiera Knightley or Nicole Richie, the kinds of women you just want to feed a burger to. You'll probably end up getting really frustrated with yourself if you can't meet your goals right away. Idolizing someone for their weight can also make you give up more easily. For instance, have you ever wanted to achieve Paris Hilton's svelte physique, worked your butt off, and then declared it hopeless a week and a half later when you've only shed one pound? By doing this, there's a chance you'll end up slouched over the living-room-couch with a pint of Ben and Jerry's cradled in your lap, determined that you will never look like Paris. If you're going to choose a weight-loss goal, choose a realistic weight that you know you can achieve.

Never go overboard. Pushing your body to its physical limits every day isn't necessary. In fact, it's been proven that taking a day off between exercising can actually improve your chances of losing weight, as it gives your muscles a chance to relax and settle into the pattern you've created for them. You also have to remember that exercising should never be about achieving the kind of body boasted by unhealthy Hollywood starlets. Exercising should always be about achieving your own , realistic fitness goals in a healthy way, and not trying to lose so much weight that you won't be able to stand up on your own. Exercising is an activity that everyone should try to partake in. If you're really keen and want to start exercising right now, then getting a membership to the YMCA or to any other local gyms is a great idea. However, if you don't have the means to pay for a monthly membership, or if you're simply not interested in the whole gym scene, remember that there are a million ways to exercise and have fun. Keep in mind: The younger you start exercising, the more healthy you'll be over the course of your life, and it'll take a lot more than climbing the porch steps to get you sweating.

* Tess Allen, a 15-year-old Grade 10 student at Moncton High School, is Editor of the Whatever section.