Bodybuilding Advice – Weight Training for Teenagers (part 1)
Youth is a time of high motivation for self-improvement and the obtaining of a satisfactory self image. Conversely it can also be a time of much self-doubt and despair. For many, early life can be sheer agony. Stick insect thin or obese conditions when young send many teenagers into almost suicidal despondency, so each and every straw is grasped in an attempt to become within the acceptable norm physically; always under peer pressure. Cures for pimples and spots are sought, only to be constantly defeated by adolescent hormones working overtime.
The youth of today find themselves attracted to image being a result of an extremely dedicated media society. But image is an important issue as it provides security and self esteem. The promise of a great physique in a short time space is what entices Teenagers into the world of Bodybuilding. But despair is just round the corner as there is no quick route to Rapid result and an average of seven out of ten quit within the first three months just as adults do with dieting.
These resulting failures can only be put down to poor training or perhaps we should say OVER TRAINING. Teenagers need to follow a concrete and well paced out program and this is where I hope to be of some assistance so that a larger number of teenagers can reach their goal of self-image. There isnt really a right or wrong age to begin with weights but it goes without saying that exercise should be encouraged from an early age.
Especially in the formative years, youngsters should be encouraged to participate in all types of sports and occupations with the object of obtaining and aiding full normal development and the learning of skills. All young people should be trained as soon as possible to obtain the basic fitness to literally save their own lives. Running, jumping and swimming are definite musts! Most children with positive encouragement can learn to swim within a week. The running and athletic exercises ensure healthy lungs and cardiovascular systems, without which heavier exercises are useless or indeed even harmful.
It is imperative that encouragement be given to keen youngsters who desire to train, and that coaching begins on a one to one level. Youngsters between the ages of ten and fourteen must train with the lightest of weights and at low resistance, but always under the supervision of a professional.
The importance of Controlled Low Weight training is essential for the development of the youngest. A full range of basic exercises with about twelve repetitions averaging 30 minutes should be carried out no more than three times a week. The presence of a professional coach is required to check the weights in use and ensure that a collar is worn when both barbell and dumbbell exercises are carried out. The coach must also ensure that all security measures are in place and insist on warming up and tapering off.
Avoid exercises such as dead lifts, good morning exercises or heavy squats or bouncing squats. On no account should young trainers use heavy weights or exercises which compress the spine. Serious bodybuilding can commence as early as the teens. Providing all safety precautions are taken, good continued progress can take place. The high energies of youth can be channeled positively into fine muscle building potential. We repeat it is unwise to practice heavy power lifts until the trainee has finished his or her natural growth potential and bones, joints and tendons stabilize.
Schedules can become longer ranging from one to two hours, three times a week. It is not necessary, or wise to spend more time than this on what after all is an introverted occupation, nor should too much narcissism be the object, instead encourage the young trainer to obtain a useful development. Gymnastics agility exercises or martial arts are just two examples of muscle put to a purpose.
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