| Bodybuilding is, without doubt, one of the most | | | | One of the most appealing features of teenagers is |
| demanding sports out there and it is easy to get | | | | their unflappable faith in their own abilities. Unfortunately |
| disillusioned and depressed when results are slow in | | | | this is often not tempered with practicality. This has |
| showing. This is particularly true when teens take on | | | | been the downfall of many teen bodybuilders as they |
| bodybuilding for the first time. Not only do they have to | | | | try to push the envelope way beyond reasonable |
| contend with the reality that building a good physique is | | | | limits. Not only do they run the risk of burn out but the |
| generally a slow process, but they have to figure the | | | | every present spectre of injury looms in the absence |
| changes in their own bodies into the equation as well. | | | | of restraint. A serious injury at this point can either put |
| This process can be made a little easier for teen | | | | the teen bodybuilder out of commission for so long |
| bodybuilders if a couple of basic tips are followed as | | | | that all gains are lost or put an end to their career |
| part of their workout routines right from the start. | | | | altogether. |
| The main pitfall that any new bodybuilder faces, and | | | | Two the most difficult things for teen bodybuilders to |
| this is particularly true of teen bodybuilders, is having | | | | stick to are diet and rest. Thing is, those are two of the |
| unrealistic expectations. This is a slow process | | | | most critical parts of successful bodybuilding. Muscle |
| particularly in the beginning. If you are dedicated enough | | | | regeneration takes place during sleep periods when |
| to stay the course during that difficult first year then | | | | your natural steroid production kicks in. Simple fact - no |
| success will surely follow. The simple fact of the | | | | sleep, no muscle gain. Diets also play a fundamental |
| matter is that you are unlikely to gain more than 10 or | | | | role in effective bodybuilding. Follow the basics and you |
| 15 Lbs of muscle through the first 12 months. | | | | will be fuelling the machine for maximum performance. |
| One way of staying positive during this process is to | | | | The 3 main meals should be complimented with three |
| keep a really good record of your progress. Digital | | | | smaller in betweeners. Concentrate on good, complex |
| photographs and notes kept on weights and | | | | carbohydrates, lean protein and good fat. In between |
| measurements. The digital photos are particularly | | | | meals can be protein shakes or meal replacement |
| valuable as a graphic record speaks volumes. This is | | | | bars. Whatever you do, don't skimp. |
| also generally handy for tracking progress with the | | | | Finally, teen bodybuilders should try and keep it real. |
| view to keeping your diet and routines on track. | | | | Don't try and follow fads and believe in unrealistic |
| Maintaining pace is also a major issue for most teen | | | | product promises. You will simple never "Put on 20 Lbs |
| bodybuilders. Consistency is a mainstay of any | | | | in 30 days". Get pro advice on your routines and diet |
| bodybuilder's routine, and this can be particularly hard | | | | and follow it, don't try and be a hero in the gym and |
| for teens as they tend to have far more variable and | | | | plug away consistently. There just isn't any other way |
| demanding social and study schedules. However, | | | | to get that ripped bod, simple as that. The rewards are |
| without sustained input there will be no progress, so | | | | just too great to pack it in when the going gets tough, |
| consistency is perhaps one of the biggest allies of | | | | so give it stick and good luck! |
| teen bodybuilders. | | | | |