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.

It really is a great shame as it is only a question of correct training and not OVERTRAINING. I hope to be able to give some great advice on how Teenagers should get started with a step by step routine which should lead to more of them achieving a really great physical image. There isnt really a fixed age to start with weights although exercise should begin as soon as possible.

Children from the word go should be encouraged to take up Sporting activities such as running, jumping and swimming, which all help to produce fitness and help muscle development. With the correct training these skills can be learnt within one week. As well as toning their muscles, training ensures healthy lungs and cardiovascular systems. Only under these condtions can Teenagers even begin to think about taking on training with weights.

Providing the youngster has a real desire to train, then they certainly should be encouraged and also closely coached. The first essential when training with weights is to avoid using too much resistance or poundage in the initial schedules. Anyone below the age of fourteen years should have definite and controlled supervision. The earliest age I would envisage purposeful use of light weight training would be about ten years of age. Between the ages of ten to fourteen weights should be very light.

The importance of Controlled Low Weight training is essencial for the development of the youngest. A full range of basic exercises with about tweve 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.

Dead lifts, good morning excercises, heavy squats and bouncing squats should be avoided at all times by young trainees, as well as any form of weight exercise that could lead to compressing the spine. Having reached a stage whereby his or her natural growth potential and bones, joints and tendons have stabilized, heavier weights can be introduced into training, but it is imperative that a coach oversees at all times.

Now training programs can begin to increase to one or two hours, three times a week. Trainers should work on controlled muscle development which could be focused on sporting activities such as gymnastics agility exercises or martial arts, just two examples of muscle put to a purpose.