Being a teenager and worrying about appearance is very common. This is because between the ages of 12 and 17, growth hormones kick in and the body undergoes major changes. These changes can undermine self-esteem and lead to anxiety, which can have significant effects on mental health. Therefore, many choose teenage bodybuilding.
But despite the many benefits, lifting weights at this stage of life can also carry risks, if you don’t have medical follow-up. Right now, parents and guardians are wondering whether or not teens can gain weight without compromising their physical development.
Did you do bodybuilding when you were a teenager?
According to sports physician Micheline Oliveira, teens can do bodybuilding, but it’s important to be careful.
“Physical activity helps development and also helps emotional balance. With the right weight, strength training puts stress on the bones which contributes to growth. Bodybuilding, done correctly and accompanied by a physical education professional, brings many benefits, such as better posture, and self-esteem, gaining muscle strength, resistance and energy to face the study routine”, says the doctor.
In the back-to-school period, the gym can help young people to be more prepared, focused and determined to study. Physical activity also helps prevent obesity and reduce mobile phone use, which is a frequent complaint today.
“When I started the gym I felt more motivated and focused, today I have more energy to study and do homework.” says Antonio Jacob, 15, who dedicated himself to bodybuilding for a year under Michelin’s tutelage.
Precautions to avoid injury
If the exercise is performed incorrectly, it can cause injury. Therefore, it is important to get help from a professional who specializes in beginning a strength exercise.
“A spinal injury, for example, can cause serious complications. It is ideal for young people to lift the correct loads in the correct way. Supervision is essential, especially at the beginning of the practice,” warns Michelin.
According to her, it is also important to notice if a young person is looking for health or if she is trying to reach a standard imposed by society. According to a survey conducted by the Dove Self-Esteem Project, social networks and filters negatively affect girls between the ages of 10 and 17 in Brazil. That is, this obsession is not healthy.
“Creating this awareness of taking care of the body in a healthy way has a great impact on young people, since it prevents cardiovascular diseases, obesity and high blood pressure and encourages a balanced diet,” adds Michelin.
Also according to a Project Dove survey, 69% of adult women said they would like guidance to build their self-esteem when they were younger.