Tuesday, December 2, 2008

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

By Ricardo d Argence

More and more teens are getting interested in body-building. Getting in shape and building muscle is not a bad idea if it is done correctly. Although a teenager may seem to be fully grown, there are important areas where they are still developing. Every successful body-building routine for teenagers includes three key components: using weights, proper diet, and adequate sleep.

Body building routines are often disturbed by the normal teenager's energy supply. Teenagers are able to work out for long periods of time without getting fatigued, which allows them to spend more time targeting specific sets of muscles.

The idea is that more is better; in weight training, this is completely false. A rounded workout in which all muscle groups are worked equally is better. If a muscle reaches a certain point, no need to strain it more; this can reverse progress and cause injury.

Prefer reps instead of weight; do not start with the most heavy weights! Start your training program using light or moderate weights, then add weight as your strength increases.

To many times nutrition is neglected in favor of massive amounts of supplements. While supplements can be helpful in moderation eating the right quantities of protein and fiber are more important. You see when you are training you are actually tearing the muscles and in order to heal properly and "build" they need proper nutrition.

Another oft-forgotten part of the process is water. Water comprises over 60% of your body, and water is necessary for your major organs to receive adequate nutrients. This includes your muscles. Everyone should drink at least eight, 8 ounce glasses of water per day, but if you are in training you will need even more in order to replenish your fatigued muscles. 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.

The key to building muscles is a balanced approach, daily hard work outs at the gym is not enough. This can be difficult for a generation accustomed to instant gratification, but it is the only way for consistent success and the prevention of injury.

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. - 16089

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