Article one in the series, Keep on Moving, published in last week’s BGGS News discussed the increased dropout rate of teenage girls from physical activity and the impact this can have on their life-long attitude towards participation in sport and physical activity. This week, we address the necessity for physical activity to be an integral part of our students’ lives, as the need to engage teenaged girls in a more active lifestyle is incredibly important.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach for teenaged girls when it comes to physical activity. Some girls enjoy a more solitary, peaceful, quiet time where interaction with others can be limited. Others enjoy the exhilaration and adrenaline rush of participating in team-based, competitive environments. Regardless, research suggests that any movement of the body such as bike riding, dog walking, swimming, or team sports will benefit adolescent girls physically, psychologically and academically.
Leading an active life benefits BGGS students in many ways. Increased stamina and flexibility, improved fitness, heart health, energy levels and enhanced muscle strength are some positive outcomes. Psychologically, exercise releases more endorphins, triggering a positive feeling in the body—impacting mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression. Girls can challenge themselves, develop resilience, create their own safe space, and experience moments of pride that fuel self-worth and belief. Studies have uncovered a connection between physical activity and academic performance. Students who lead an active life have enhanced learning potential due to improved concentration, memory, recall, and creativity.
The environment at BGGS provides opportunities for girls to be active. Healthy, fun, and rewarding competitive offerings are age and developmentally appropriate. A team of coaches who care and inspire the girls to have a go, to challenge themselves, and to perform to the best of their ability have every student’s best interests at heart. The delivery of general fitness opportunities like strength and conditioning, rock climbing, fun-fit, speed development, and social sport all provide access to physical activity as a cornerstone to a healthy mind, body, and spirit for BGGS students.
The final article in the Keep on Moving series, to be published next week, will address ways to engage and help BGGS students stay active as they transition to adulthood. We aim to empower our teenage girls through sport, enabling them to recognise being physically active is valued, admired, and encouraged.
Ms Jane Gooden Mr Paul Pearce
Director of Sport Athlete Development Manager
