Young And Buff: Teenage Body Building

When you are a teenager, your body is your weapon to excelling in sports and other physical activities. If you are considering becoming a bodybuilder, you have to keep in mind that this type of sport requires complete dedication and hard work. Teenage body building is as demanding as adult body building, but it helps the young athlete build character and perseverance that will carry on with them outside of the gym.

Here are some facts about teenage body building that every young person thinking about pursuing this sport should keep in mind.

Physical Growth

The most important aspect of teenage body building that any coach would emphasize is that at ages 14-17, the body is still growing, and that added stress to the growing bones may cause permanent damage to the body. While this is true, it is best for the young athlete to practice safe and healthy measures when beginning to body build.

Steps To Body Building

Most trainers will emphasize that training teenage body building first requires finding the athlete’s body type. While some are thinner and find it hard to put on weight (referred to as an ectomorph) others put on fat and muscle more easily, and may need to focus on diet (endomorph). Working with the teenager’s body type is best to determine what they need in order to be a successful body builder.

Diet is the key aspect to teenage body building. While the body is still growing at this age range, it is very important for the athlete to maintain the proper amount of nutrition. Eating six meals a day, using the 40-40-20 system, 40 percent protein, 40 percent carbohydrates, and 20 percent fat. It is also important after a workout to consume the 25-10-5 version of this system to help the body recover quicker.
The actual workout must start out slowly for the teenager. Working out four days a week, and working every body part at least once a week is key to stimulating the muscles to build as a result of the stress from bodybuilding.

Resting is just as important as the above steps to teenage body building. A good night’s rest, at least 6-8 hours a night, is important, as this is when the body grows.

In the end, teenage body building should be a slow and careful progression, as the teenage years are when the growing body is most susceptible to lasting damage. It is best for the teenager to consult with their coach or trainer if they choose to pursue bodybuilding.