| Many are not aware of this fact, but bodybuilding is | | | | workouts also work to shed those flabby areas and |
| different for all ages (well, between adults and | | | | excess pounds - for many teenage girls, figure is |
| teenagers anyway). Teens generally need less | | | | everything. The more adventurous girls can even try |
| rigorous workouts than adults do, since you have to | | | | Muay Thai, Aikido, or other martial arts for |
| consider the growth spurt factor. Regular, vigorous | | | | self-defense. |
| workouts may actually decelerate growth in teens. | | | | Teenagers usually can't afford to go to the gym |
| Teenage bodybuilding should focus on getting and | | | | regularly, but fortunately, you don't really have to. When |
| maintaining good health through proper diet and mild | | | | in school, you can always take the stairs instead of |
| cardiovascular workout. | | | | using the elevator. When getting to school on time isn't |
| Regular cardiovascular workouts can give you a good | | | | a problem, get off the bus early and walk the rest of |
| health boost. Cardio workouts don't require that much | | | | the way. And on the weekends, make time for some |
| energy. It primarily focuses on keeping your muscles | | | | sports with your friends. |
| conditioned for more rigorous exercise as you go | | | | Diet is also important - it's important to get all the |
| older, as well as serving as a measure of protection | | | | nutrition you need from a balanced diet. Protein is |
| against common teenage problems (studies actually | | | | especially important for teenagers, since it's the main |
| show that exercise can prevent or minimize acne!). | | | | building block of muscle. Protein-rich foods include fish, |
| Resting is also necessary for teen bodybuilding - cells | | | | milk, nuts, and meat. Take in more carbohydrates and |
| regenerate fastest when resting after a workout, and | | | | less fat, since carbohydrates are burned much easily |
| adequate rest is necessary to keep from stunting your | | | | through cardiovascular workouts. Occasional 'dorm |
| growth. Cardio workouts include walking, jogging, biking, | | | | food', such as pizza and chips, are okay - just treat |
| and swimming - basically fun things to do with friends. | | | | them as snacks and not meals. |
| For the boys, some mild weights training can be a | | | | With obesity (and all its associated medical conditions) |
| good idea. This builds strength and endurance, as well | | | | on the rise in society today, it's important to get used |
| as help you get the figure that makes the ladies take a | | | | to having regular exercise in your system early. The |
| second look. Going to the gym two or three times a | | | | teenage years, with all the physical, social, and |
| week would be a good idea, but for those who can't | | | | emotional opportunities present, is the best time to get |
| afford it, simple pushups, pull-ups, squats, and sit-ups | | | | started. Aside from staying healthy and maintaining a |
| can be enough for a full-body workout. | | | | trim figure, teenage bodybuilding is also a great way to |
| As for the girls, the focus is more on cardiovascular | | | | meet like-minded friends. |
| workouts. Aside from maintaining good health, cardio | | | | |