A recent nationwide study in the United States found that 90% of teenagers say exercise makes them feel happier, but about half report their fitness declines during school holidays. The findings resonate with Thai families as intense heat and a long break from school can dampen teens’ motivation to move. The survey, conducted by Planet Fitness and summarized for parents, polled 1,000 teens aged 14-19 and their parents about activity and well-being, offering practical ideas for families to keep teens active during seasonal changes.
Summer offers freedom from routines but also brings risks. Thai teachers and health workers often worry about learning gaps and reduced physical activity during breaks. Data from the Planet Fitness survey shows many parents see exercise as essential for teen mental health. Yet as schedules loosen, stress and anxiety can rise for some youths, a pattern familiar to families across Thailand who observe more screen time during breaks.
The challenge is real: without structured sports or after-school clubs, teens lose access to safe, organized exercise. A Planet Fitness executive notes that summer break can disrupt routines teens rely on. Health professionals explain that motivation can wane when late nights and digital entertainment take priority. In Thailand, the hot season and constant connectivity create a comparable struggle: urban teens retreat to air conditioning and screens, while rural youths contend with fewer public spaces or programs during holidays.
International research consistently links physical and mental health in teens. Experts cited in the study say regular activity improves mood, sleep, and cognitive function, while reducing depression and anxiety. Exercise also helps teens connect with friends, a vital outlet in Thailand’s family-centric culture where social activities remain important during school holidays.
Yet screen time remains a dominant obstacle. In the US study, 81% of teens report spending most of their day online. Thai youths share a similar pattern: many exceed two hours a day on digital devices, a figure that climbs during breaks. Teens recognize the trade-offs—physically active time benefits mood and energy—but breaking habits can be tough.
Barriers in Thailand mirror those in many places: gym costs, transportation gaps, and limited public facilities. An adolescent medicine specialist notes that some teens lose access to safe exercise during summer. In Bangkok, not every neighborhood has a free park or safe cycling paths, and in rural areas, affordable clubs or youth centers may be scarce during holidays when programs are reduced.
Experts agree that parents play a pivotal role. “Parents who stay active set a powerful example,” says a senior executive from Planet Fitness. When families see adults enjoying regular movement, teens are more likely to join in. In Thailand, family outings often involve temple visits or shared meals; incorporating physical activity—such as family walks, bike rides, or visits to national parks—can reinforce healthy habits while respecting traditions.
Practical, culturally aware strategies for Thai families to keep teens moving this summer:
Make activity social and enjoyable. Connect exercise to activities teens already love, such as group dance, badminton, swimming, or street football. Public parks often host free or low-cost community activities during school breaks.
Encourage movement without mandating it. Simple daily actions—walking the dog, quick household chores, or cycling to meet a friend—keep teens active without a rigid routine. The key is linking activity to values teens care about.
Seek affordable options. While free gym access is less common in Thailand, government programs frequently open school grounds or community centers for summer activities. Check local departments of education, municipal offices, and community organizations for opportunities.
Be mindful of heat. Thai summers call for morning or evening activity in shade, with ample hydration. Health advisories from the Ministry of Public Health emphasize heat-aware exercise practices.
Use technology to promote activity. Fitness apps, online classes, and group movement challenges can convert screen time into motivation for real-world movement.
Open communication about mental health and the benefits of staying active can help teens choose activity. In Thai families, framing exercise as a pathway to happiness, resilience, and readiness for the new school term often resonates more than a focus on physical performance alone.
Global health experts note that most adolescents do not meet recommended activity levels, underscoring the importance of holistic approaches to youth health. In Thailand, encouraging physical activity beyond school terms aligns with national efforts to promote mental well-being and lifelong fitness. Promising developments include active design in cities, community sport events, and digital tools that reward real-world movement.
Key takeaway for Thai families: regular exercise brings joy and resilience to teens, even in the heat of summer. Creative, culturally attuned approaches can help sustain activity levels.
Practical recommendations for Thai parents this summer:
- Integrate daily movement into family routines, such as short walks to the market, park visits, or backyard badminton.
- Explore community programs for youth sport and exercise offered by local governments or temples.
- Schedule activity in cooler parts of the day to avoid peak heat.
- Discuss openly why staying active matters, emphasizing happiness and readiness for the new school term.
- Model enjoyment by joining in activities and reducing screen time together.
For more support, families can contact local public health offices or school health educators, who often provide summer activity resources tailored for Thai youth.