Exercise is undeniably beneficial, especially for teenagers. It builds muscle, boosts fitness, fosters social bonds, enhances sleep, reduces stress, lowers obesity risk, prevents diseases, and lifts mood. In short, skipping it isn't an option—or so they say.
It's Saturday afternoon. Bundled in my jacket with a scarf over my ears, I watch my 14-year-old son's football match. He's been playing since age six. Those early days were adorable—tiny players chasing the ball, sometimes needing reminders on which goal to aim for. Now, he's the last defender, the final lifeline, the cleanup man. A speedy striker bolts past the midline toward goal. It's dire. Our last hope: my son.
Eight years ago, slide tackles were foreign to him. Now, I watch him charge the striker—head high, stance proud. He bends his knees, extends his leg. The striker flips, rolls, somersaults, and splits in a gymnast-worthy evade. Imaginary 10s flash in the air. The striker writhes on the turf. My son rises, offers a handshake, and walks off. 'Worthy foul,' the coach mutters as the opponents' trainer dashes over with a water bottle. I burrow deeper into my scarf. Huh, exercise is healthy.
Two hours later, I'm at my eldest son's regional derby. These 16- and 17-year-olds play fiercely. He's also the last defender—it's in the genes. Hands in pockets, scarf up, I brace for action. Soon, we're up 2-0. The opponents grow aggressive. I see a lanky, curly-haired foe clash with my son. A scream pierces the air as my boy crashes down.
Why is exercise healthy? He's groaning, clutching his thigh, rolling side to side. Hand over mouth, I ache to rush the field, cradle him, soothe the pain. But rules hold me back—the coach arrives with his magic water bottle. Soon, my son limps up and resumes.
At home, we debrief. My eldest drops his pants, revealing a long red welt from the opponent's studs. His other leg bears boot marks too. 'Mom, I slid in for this one,' he says, pointing to a raw scrape on his hip. My stomach churns. 'Did you play well?' I ask. 'Great match,' grins the eldest. 'Went well,' adds the youngest. I sigh. Exercise is truly healthy.
