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Different from traditional sports activities they're accustomed to seeing or playing, weight training will appeal to most teenagers, and both free-weight or machine exercises are safe for teens. With weight training, overweight teens, can improve their strength, coordination and endurance, enhancing their performance in other sports. Although they shouldn't train without the supervision of a trainer, they can train away from the critical eyes of peers. Most of all, they can avoid dangerous adult illnesses by shedding excess body fat, ensuring their future health while boosting their self-esteem - a lesson we can take to heart, no matter what our age.
Facts to consider, (source: "Fit Kids", Kenneth Cooper, MD, Broadman and Holman, 1999)

1) 10 million children in the United States ages 6-17 are considered overweight; nearly 5 million are severely obese. 2) 60% of children have at least one modifiable risk factor for heart disease by age 12 - These factors include obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and physical inactivity. 3) Although most states (about 83%) require schools to teach some physical education (PE) only about 6% of schools provide daily PE for the entire school year for all grades. 4) A study performed at the cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas showed a marked decrease in girls' fitness levels as they get older. At age 7, 86% can pass a 1-mile run test; by age 15 only 49% can complete the distance with a passing time.