Adherence
Engaging in multiple specific types of physical activity during adolescence is moderately associated with higher global physical activity levels in young adulthood, whereas participation in single specific sports has weak associations.
Encourage young people to try multiple sports and activities rather than specializing in just one. While specializing in one sport doesn't hurt, doing a variety of activities (e.g., hiking, cycling, ball games) creates a stronger, more flexible habit of physical activity that is more likely to persist into adulthood.
being involved in various types of physical activity may offer good opportunities for establishing lifelong involvement in physical activity, independent of the specific type of activity.
Why this rating
Longitudinal data with clear statistical association (r=0.21-0.23) between breadth of activity and adult activity.
Source
Tracking of leisure-time physical activity during adolescence and young adulthood: a 10-year longitudinal study
Lise Kjønniksen et al. · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · 2008
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