Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Weight Training for Teenagers, the Sooner you Start, the Better

By Ricardo d Argence

More and more teenagers are taking up bodybuilding. Getting in shape and building muscle is not a bad idea if it is done correctly. Many key areas of the body are still developing during the teen years, although their bodies may appear to have reached adult height. Teenagers in search of an excellent body building routine need to include nutrition, weights and rest.

Teenagers have energy reserves that are the envy of others, and those reserves may cause problems during a body building workout. Because of teen's never ending energy supply, they make over work one set of muscles and ignore others.

The thought is that more is better, however, in weight training nothing is further from the truth. A rounded workout in which all muscle groups are worked equally is better. Once a muscle has reached a certain point there is no need to strain it further, in fact you can actually reverse your progress or worse yet cause injury.

Weights should be started slowly and advanced, in other words do not grab the heaviest weight in the room and go to town on it. Start with light to moderate weight and work your way up.

Too often, nutrition is ignored and exessive supplement use takes its place. While supplements can be helpful in moderation eating the right quantities of protein and fiber are more important. For when you train, you are actually tearing muscles; they need good nutrition to heal and build.

Water is an often forgotten aspect of nutrition. Our body gets major nutritions only from water because major organs depands on water and it comprises about 60% of our body. This includes your muscles. When training, your water consumption should significantly increase to well above the standard eight 8-ounce glasses a day recommendation. Your joints and vital organs will thank you, plus you will increase the success of your work out.

Next to proper hydration, this is the most common mistake in training, especially in over-confident young people. Your muscles need a growth hormone and testosterone which is secreted during sleep. That is what sleep was designed for, reparation of the body.

Goin to the gym daily to increase muscles isn't enough, you need to establish a balanched plan for growth. People who are into instant gratification will find this hard to do, but it is the best way to prevent injury and achieve success.

You can start weight training now; if you're into sports like football it's important that you are strong and healthy. Following these simple work out tips will provide you with both a safe and productive exercise session. - 16083

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