Bodybuilding Advice – Bodybuilding for Teenagers (part 2)

Try to make the routines fun, not an ordeal. Never force youngsters to train against their will. They can do all free standing exercises, flexibility exercises, plus the learning of sport skills and the related sportsmanship and team work required in such sports. Weight training exercises should as we said in part 1 be light to medium and avoidance made of the potentially dangerous exercises such as dead lifts, heavy cheat bent over rowing, cheat barbell curls and the spine busting bending heavy low squats.

The wearing of a lifting belt is a good habit to encourage. Recommended exercises include good style full range movements such as light barbell squats to parallel, presses behind neck, but pad the bar and do not bounce the barbell on the spinal column at the back of the neck. Also try medium grip barbell bench presses, don’t bounce the bar on the chest or over arch the back. Don’t attempt limit lifts. When anyone is bench pressing there should always be a spotter around to prevent accidents. It has been known for death to occur when a bar has dropped upon the lifters neck. Never practice heavy bench presses alone.

The majority of dumbbell exercises are no problem at all, but always make sure the collars are secure. Lying triceps stretches for the arms and standing lateral raises for shoulders. While performing sit ups for abs, stick to the crunches version, keeping the knees bent and aim for fitness by encouraging high repetitions. Sometimes forgotten at this age is hygiene, so train in clean clothes and footwear which will help to avoid infections such as athletes foot.

RECOMMENDED TRAINING FOR THE OVER 14s On reaching the age of 14, supervised weight training can begin. The majority of weight exercises can be carried out with the exception of heavy dead lifts and barbell rowing, which can be harmful to the lower back. Heavy squats can also cause knees problems and hip problems can also develop in later life.

Now is the time to increase exercise routines and muscular development will soon be visible. Normal warm up exercises should always be observed to avoid any back or muscle injury. Pay attention to style combined with a full range of movements, and encourage participation in sporting activities such as gymnastics or martial arts. A trainer must be vigilant at all times and he is fully responsible for any teenagers health and safety.

ROUTINE FOR THE UNDER 14s Start off by warming up with some running on the spot, twists, knee bends and arm swings and then proceed to the 1st exercise. Ex 1: Press behind neck with barbell. 2 sets 8 to 10 times. Ex 2: Half squats to bench top with barbell. 1 set 12 reps for the legs and lungs. Always use Squat stands and youngsters must always have a spotter. Ex 3: Pullovers with centrally loaded dumbbell 1 x 12 using a light weight, the idea is for chest expansion and always use after squats while still out of breath.

Ex 4: Barbell bench presses 1 x 10 reps, have a spotter standing by, don’t bounce the weights off the chest and use good style and full range. Ex 5: Barbell curls for the biceps, the way to big arms, 1 x 10 reps, don’t cheat or swing the weight up. Ex 6: Crunches for the abdominals, start off with one set of maximum reps, try to work up to at least 30 reps, then its ok to add more sets, great to obtain that all important six pack. Finally Ex 7: Calf raises, 2 x 12 reps, Hold a dumbbell in one hand and with toes on a block raise and lower the calf via full range.

TRAINING ROUTINE FOR THE OVER 14s Don’t forget to warm up Ex 1: INTERCHANGE dumbbells overhead presses 3 x 8 for the shoulders and arms. Ex 2: Full squats, this time ensure you go right down full range, but don’t bounce at the knees. Make sure a spotter is close by and use squat racks. Ex 3: Pullovers, use swing bell or centrally loaded dumbbell, the weight isnt so important, light to medium is enough, the main objective being to develop chest expansion Ex 4: Wide grip bench presses 3 x 10 for pectorals, triceps and shoulders. Ex 5: Dumbbell flyes, lying, after the bench presses, further pump the pecs with dumbbell flyes.3 x 12

Ex 6: One arm dumbbell rowing 3 x 8 for lats and arms and shoulders, use fairly heavy weights as this is quite a safe exercise. Ex 7: Lying triceps stretches 3 x 8 for the back and main bulk muscles of the upper arms Ex 8: Crunches 2 sets of maximum reps EX 9: Alternate dumbbell curls for biceps 2 x 10 and finally pumps the lower legs. Ex 10: Calf raises, use machine or dumbbell or barbell across the neck for added resistance, calves on a block to obtain max stretch, always a must in calf training.

Forcing high poundage is not recommended, just work on slow but sure progress. Encourage a healthy diet which includes proteins, vegetables and fresh fruit. At this age enough rest and relaxation is vital for their well being and the should be kept mentally alert while not training. A range of pursuits and hobbies is ideal will help to keep them mentally aware on focused on training.

By Top UK Bodybuilding And Steroid Expert Mick Hart. Learn how to Build Lean Muscle At Micks new Blog