Parent Resources

Camper Resources

Our Blog

Contact Us


Summer Activities to Encourage Weight Loss for Girls

Summer months offer the perfect opportunity to lose some weight and get in shape. Not only is the weather more conducive for exercise, but the clothing and styles give an extra incentive to shed some pounds so you can look and feel great. This is also a great time to introduce new activities for your teen girls weight loss goals. Research shows that children and young adults who engage in physical activity starting at a young age tend to carry these traits with them through adulthood. The trick is getting your teenager off the couch, away from the computer and active. Here are some great ideas to do just that!

Many teens think of exercise as something horrid and torturous. The easiest way to disassociate a negative reaction with exercise is to show them that they can do things they love, and exercise at the same time. If your teenager loves to play golf, softball, or volleyball – summer offers the perfect chance to make these activities daily habits. You can enroll your daughter in targeted teen fitness camps or in a daily weight loss camp that will promote healthy exercise. Since school is out, there are no excuses about time restraints.

Another way to help your teen girls weight loss goals become reality is to initiate a walking program in your area for schoolchildren. If your teenager is meeting up with friends, IPod in tow – she will be much more likely to keep up the walking regime. Walking in the mornings is the perfect way to boost her metabolism and give her a healthy and positive activity to start each day with. Add some socializing, and you have a definite winning combination.

You can also find that there are plenty of recreational activities in your area. A favorite for many teens because it doesn’t involve sweating, is swimming. Join a neighborhood pool or fitness center that has a pool and your teenager can swim laps and get in shape. Swimming is one of the best weight loss for girls exercises, its fun and she can get a tan while she is there.

If these exercises don’t seem to get your teen girl moving around, then opt for the purchase of a treadmill or elliptical machine that you can put in your living room. This way, she can start her program in private and walk or run while she is watching her favorite shows. This is one activity that she can do year round and is a great way to introduce motivation.

Since teenage girls seem to be obsessive about their exercising, you want to make sure that you monitor their activities. Some families have launched a full-fledge fitness program in their home turning it into a family competition. This idea works great and makes it hard for your teenager, no matter how moody – to resist jumping in. Keep track of daily nutrition and see which family member can drink the most water during the day. Every day, a family walk or run can end the day on a positive note.

Many families also overlook the abundant activities they have right outside their own back door. Introduce your child to hiking local parks, climbing a mountain or taking an outdoor adventure that is a local attraction for you. You will find that many parks offer seasonal passes which makes them both affordable and a great way to get in plenty of activity. The key is to find things your teenager enjoys doing so she will want to do it! The sky really is the limit and while teen fitness camps are a great starting point, you will have to be creative to find new activities they can do to stay active once they come home. Many gyms for women only welcome teenage girls and most local recreation departments offer yoga and aerobic classes that will be fun and healthy.

The goal is not just weight loss, but long-term health and well-being that will be facilitated by great life choices. For teen girls weight loss can be the start of a new life and summer is the perfect time to get into an exercise routine!

Top 10 Keys to Healthy Teen Weight Loss

When it comes to a diet and exercise program for teens, the key is in moderation support. Chances are your teen knows they are overweight and is burdened by more than just the extra pounds. Your first step should be to talk to your teen openly. Discuss the health risks associated with being overweight and try to help them understand that they really do have a choice. There is so much conflicting information for teens that they often do not know where to start. Skirting the issue or denying that it exists isn’t going to save your teens feelings because they know the truth. Teen weight loss can be achieved as long as parents and teens are ready to be honest and accept responsible for their actions. Talk with your teen and discuss what they would like to see happen. Then, make a plan of action. Following is a 10-Step Program parents and teens can use to help their child lose weight.

  1. Talk about the problem. (as discussed above)
  2. Accept responsibility. When you and your teen can see where conscious choices lead to the problem, you can regain control.
  3. Eradicate words like fat or thin. You and your teen should talk in terms of healthy and set realistic goals. Try to debunk the effects that the media has on your teen so they are able to remain realistic and feel pride for their own successes.
  4. Don’t allow your teen weight loss to include any quick or drastic diets, pills, supplements, or strategies. Help your teen understand that ‘quick’ teen weight loss is unhealthy, dangerous, and temporary.
  5. Look for teen fitness camps that will focus on healthy habits and exercise. These will jumpstart your teen’s weight loss and help them realize their long-term goals.
  6. Take classes, read books, cruise the internet for nutrition and health information. The more you know, the more changes the entire family can make.
  7. Set short term and long-term goals. Use a reward system. For instance, set up a shopping trip for your teenager if they stick to their diet, exercise or experience some weight loss.
  8. Resist the urge to be couch potatoes. Find creative and fun ways to incorporate at least an hours worth of activity in your teen’s routine.
  9. Remain supportive at all times. Recognize the emotional triggers to weight gain and over eating and help your teen devise a new plan with new habits.
  10. Above all else…remain positive. Reinforce your teen’s weight loss plan with constant support and act like a good example. In order to save your child from the effects of being overweight, they need to be led by example in the home.

Often, families don’t talk about weight problems. When you can bring the issue to the forefront and discuss healthy options and solutions, your teen will be empowered to lose weight. While it may look like you are simple changing your teen’s outward appearance, the truth is you are changing their life in much more meaningful ways.