One breath, another, and another. The trumpeter blows his horn as he marches across the field. The football player breathes in and out before running to the tackle. The ballerina lets a breath out before she begins her pirouette. The lead in the school play takes a deep breath before his performance on the stage.

Although teenagers these days may get a bad rep for being extremely lazy, many students are being proactive with their health. Every new passing school year, it seems like more sports and activities are being introduced to students. Kid’s Health states, “given the opportunity and interest, teens can get health benefits from almost any activity they enjoy.”

“I’m in the marching band,” said freshman Paul Lichtenwalner. “I spend three hours a day, three days a week, plus additional games on Friday that keep me active.”

School programs provide an opportunity for students to stay active–whether it’s football or theatre. The CDC states, “Each school is recommended to have a comprehensive approach for addressing physical education and physical activity in school.” Schools provide sports that students can participate in that provide an opportunity for physical exercise. South Forsyth High School offers 17 different sports teams which consist of several of the student body; in addition to sports, they also offer a dance team, fencing club, and theatre.

“School provides an opportunity to stay active,” said sophomore Ruthie Allen. “In softball, we run a lot and have games.”

However, some teens lack the desire to be active. With distractions like the trending TV shows and social media, students spend their time binge-watching Netflix episodes or scrolling through Instagram. This does not mean that students are not provided with the opportunity to stay healthy. All of the programs that teens have access to provide a range of options. If a student is more partial to strength training, they could attend a teen CrossFit class, and students with a more artistic style could join color guard.

“I’m in drama and I run,” said junior Spencer Polk. “That is how I get my exercise. Exercising relieves any stress that I have.”

Kid’s Health says there are countless benefits to being active: maintaining a healthy weight, feeling more energetic, relieving stress, boosting self-confidence, and promoting social interactions. Youth who exercise now will be at a lower risk of serious diseases as they age. It’s recommended that teens get at least one hour of activity per day. This can be done through walking around school, dancing to favorite songs, taking yoga classes, and even vacuuming.

“To stay active, I normally play soccer with my siblings or walk my dog,” said senior Megan Donahue. “I do a lot of stuff with my family.”

Teens are being proactive about their health; they have an opportunity to stay active with everything that the school and other facilities cater. Students can find ways to stay fit and keep them active through their schooling and beyond. Whether a student is a football player or member of the marching band, experienced in fitness or still a newbie, they still have the ability and access to exercise.