Teenagers are increasingly taking up bodybuilding.
Building muscle and generally getting into better shape are admirable goals; done properly, the teen years can be one of the best times to begin bodybuilding.
Teenagers may be nearly full grown, but beneath the surface there is still a lot of growth and development happening, meaning teens have different requirements for body building regimens than adults.
The most important factors are the weights used, nutrition and rest.
Teenagers have a lot more energy than adults, but this can actually be problematic when it comes to bodybuilding.
This energy allows them to work out for a long time, focused on a single set of muscles.
While more may be better with a lot of things, weight training is not one of them.
It's much better to use a varied workout routine which works every muscle group equally.
After a muscle reaches a specific point, you won't be doing any more good and could be doing harm by continuing.
Start off with lighter weights and advance as your body becomes accustomed to lifting.
Don't try to show off by going immediately for the heaviest weight you can find.
Start small and work your way up as you go.
Nutrition is something which is all too often forgotten by bodybuilders, especially teenage bodybuilders who instead go for supplements.
Nutritional supplements are certainly a helpful addition to a good diet, but getting the protein and fiber you need from your diet is far more important.
What happens when you lift weights is that you tear your muscles; as they heal from this controlled damage, they build.
This takes good nutrition.
Proper hydration is also neglected by many young body builders.
The human body is about 70% water and relies on adequate hydration to function properly - and this definitely includes muscle tissue! The recommended daily intake of 64 oz of water should be taken as a starting point, not a goal.
When you're actively weight training you'll need far more water than this to maintain the health of your joints and organs; and your training will yield better results as well.
While we're on the subject of things neglected by teenage bodybuilders, let's talk about sleep.
It's while you sleep that testosterone and the important growth hormone IGF-1 is released.
It's also when your body repairs itself and rejuvenates for another day - make sure to get an adequate amount of sleep every night.
Hard workouts are great, but it takes much more than this to build muscle.
Your body benefits from a holistic approach with a goal of steady, sustained muscle growth.
It may not come naturally to the teenage mindset, but real long term success in body building can only be accomplished this way.
The teen years are a great time to begin weight training.
If you also play competitive sports like football, weight training is almost a requirement to maximize your potential as a player.
By following the simple plan outlined above you can work out safely and make the most of your weight training.
Building muscle and generally getting into better shape are admirable goals; done properly, the teen years can be one of the best times to begin bodybuilding.
Teenagers may be nearly full grown, but beneath the surface there is still a lot of growth and development happening, meaning teens have different requirements for body building regimens than adults.
The most important factors are the weights used, nutrition and rest.
Teenagers have a lot more energy than adults, but this can actually be problematic when it comes to bodybuilding.
This energy allows them to work out for a long time, focused on a single set of muscles.
While more may be better with a lot of things, weight training is not one of them.
It's much better to use a varied workout routine which works every muscle group equally.
After a muscle reaches a specific point, you won't be doing any more good and could be doing harm by continuing.
Start off with lighter weights and advance as your body becomes accustomed to lifting.
Don't try to show off by going immediately for the heaviest weight you can find.
Start small and work your way up as you go.
Nutrition is something which is all too often forgotten by bodybuilders, especially teenage bodybuilders who instead go for supplements.
Nutritional supplements are certainly a helpful addition to a good diet, but getting the protein and fiber you need from your diet is far more important.
What happens when you lift weights is that you tear your muscles; as they heal from this controlled damage, they build.
This takes good nutrition.
Proper hydration is also neglected by many young body builders.
The human body is about 70% water and relies on adequate hydration to function properly - and this definitely includes muscle tissue! The recommended daily intake of 64 oz of water should be taken as a starting point, not a goal.
When you're actively weight training you'll need far more water than this to maintain the health of your joints and organs; and your training will yield better results as well.
While we're on the subject of things neglected by teenage bodybuilders, let's talk about sleep.
It's while you sleep that testosterone and the important growth hormone IGF-1 is released.
It's also when your body repairs itself and rejuvenates for another day - make sure to get an adequate amount of sleep every night.
Hard workouts are great, but it takes much more than this to build muscle.
Your body benefits from a holistic approach with a goal of steady, sustained muscle growth.
It may not come naturally to the teenage mindset, but real long term success in body building can only be accomplished this way.
The teen years are a great time to begin weight training.
If you also play competitive sports like football, weight training is almost a requirement to maximize your potential as a player.
By following the simple plan outlined above you can work out safely and make the most of your weight training.
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