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Kids are likely to perform better in school.Compared to sedentary

girls, active girls have better grades, a lower drop-out rate, and a greater

likelihood of attending college.

Kids can succeed in science.Marie Curie may not have run any

marathons or spiked any volleyballs, but research shows that high

school girls who play sports are more likely to get good grades in sci-

ence classes than their nonathletic peers.

Kids discover abilities they never knew you had. Maybe your child has

the tennis talent of the Williams sisters, but it has been hidden all these

years. Maybe your child’s body is built for power-lifting but she just never

realized it. Chances are, your kids have a real knack for some type of

athletic endeavor — whether it’s running, softball, or aerobic dance —

but they won’t know until they try.

Kids can become more resilient during childhood.Research shows

that kids who participate in sports are more likely to bounce back from

disappointment and adversity than children who aren’t active. Fit kids

are also less likely to feel stressed out.

Kids are less likely to start smoking.Boys and girls ages 12 to 16 who

spend much of their leisure time doing physical activity are significantly

less likely to start smoking than low-activity groups.

Kids are less likely to get pregnant as teenagers.Teenage female ath-

letes are less likely to get pregnant than girls who don’t participate in

sports. They’re also more likely to have their first sexual experience

later in adolescence than nonathletes.

You can keep up with your grandkids. Wouldn’t it be nice to toss

around the pigskin with your granddaughter without your arm getting

sore and tired? Regular workouts can give you the strength and stamina

to be a worthy opponent for family tennis tournaments and basketball

on the driveway.

Your pet can get fit, too. Take your pooch for longer and more frequent walks,

and he’ll live a longer, healthier life. Plus, dogs thrive on activity. They much

prefer to trot around and take in the sights than impersonate a throw rug that

happens to be alive.

You Satisfy Your Competitive Urges

Participating in a local 5K road race or vying for a trophy in the company golf

championship is a healthy outlet for your competitive spirit. Even racing

against the clock can be a satisfying pursuit. Plus, you perform better in all

Chapter 24: Ten Great Reasons to Break a Sweat 363