Although the term is commonly used for any recreational activities where the weights are being used for training (usually in the gyms) - Weightlifting is in fact a sport where competitors lift heavy weights mounted on steel bars! When we talk about competitive weight lifting – we can talk about two different weightlifting events
- the “snatch” discipline- where the competitors must lift the weight above their head in one move
- the ”clean and jerk” discipline –where the same ting is done only in two moves, one to lift the weight to the collar bone and the second- to lift it above the head
Bodybuilding is a sport or activity in which the primary objective is to develop the size of the skeletal muscles.
The fact is that teen bodybuilding has gained increasing popularity these last couple of years, where young teens go to the gym almost daily.
Effects of weight lifting
There are many theories about the effects of weight lifting effects on young kids and teenagers! It is proven that body lifting has many beneficial effects on body such are high higher self-esteem and confidence, becoming fit and healthy, and looking good! It is also a very good and effective way to treat depression. Lifting weights is causing growth of the muscles, fat loss, metabolism boosting, and increasing strength.
But the real question is- how young male is simply too young to start with body lifting training! Different young people start with body building sooner then the others. So, it is proven that the right time for teen bodybuilding is completely individual. It’s usually best to start training at ages of 15, 16.
The fact is that it’s never too young to begin fitness and health education with adolescents.
No one really knows to answer this question! Strength training is extremely dangerous for children and there is no doubt about it. About 20 years ago- pediatricians were saying that weight lifting was extremely unsafe and ineffective for growing teens but these last couple of years- the situation has changed a bit. Now they are saying that it could be very effective and safe but only if done correctly.
Many people especially parents are confused because they don’t know what to think about weight lifting and its effects on growth! But, there is still no scientific evidence to support such ideas. Some books that promote healthy living suggest that weight training may even stimulate the growth. The latest weight training studies done on teens showed only positive effects.
According to this- only possible complication is injury! Many researches proved that most injuries occurred from a breakdown in technique, while lifting excessive weight. Correct technique will reduce any risk of injury in most cases.
So, it is a fact that weight lifting will not "stunt" the growth of teenagers! That is definitely a myth!!! However, extremely heavy lifting is unnecessary and might be very dangerous in pre-adolescent teens! Lifting heavy weights could speed up the closing of growth plates before they had a chance to fully develop. Stopping the growth process prematurely, it will definitely stunt the growth of the child.
There are several guidelines for young people that want to start with body lifting:
- the most important thing that person should do before any weight lifting is to obtain a physical examination to rule out medical conditions for which strength training could cause complications. Such medical conditions are high blood pressure, back problems, or hernias
- Always start with low or minimal weights
- Proper breathing techniques are crucial part of successful training
- All trainings of strength should be supervised and monitored closely!!!
- Training must be at least 20-30 minutes long and it shouldn’t be done daily. For effective and noticeable results- it should be done 2-4 times per week to be effective
- Any injury that happened during the training must be evaluated before the program is continued.
- Warm-up activities should be performed each training session
- In general, resting approximately 1 minute between sets is recommended for beginning weight training!
Stretching should also be an important part of every weight lifting training. When you are growing during puberty, the bones grow faster than the muscles and tendons, stretching them tight. That’s why, by focusing on stretching tendons and muscles- there is little chance you'll get any kind of injury!
Balanced nutrition is other and probably the most important thing that every potential body builder should know. Nutrition should provide the proper balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates so that your muscles can heal and build. Many experts are recommending that these gym-based trainings should be mixed along with aerobic exercises such as running, walking and bicycling because it will strengthen your heart
Benefits of good fitness and weight lifting program on young people
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Area
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Effects
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Health
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Increases HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease LDL (bad cholesterol).
Reduces risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, breast cancer
Decreases or minimizes risk of osteoporosis by building bone mass.
Reduces symptoms of PMS, stress and anxiety.
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Strength
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Increased muscle strength, power, endurance and size with enhanced performance of everyday tasks.
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Flexibility
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Weight training can improve your overall body flexibility and reduce the risk of muscle pulls and back pain
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Likelihood of Injury
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Strong muscles, tendons, and ligaments are less likely to give way under stress and are less likely to be injured!!!
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Body Composition
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Boosted metabolism will cause reduction body fat, decreases in waist measurements and body fat measurement.
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Muscle Tone
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Weight lifting will cause firmer and better-defined muscles.
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Posture
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Stronger muscles in the neck, shoulder, back, hip and abdominal area
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State of Mind
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Improved ability to handle stress effectively, fall asleep quicker and sleep deeper
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Abuse of drugs by professional body builders
The darkest side of body building is definitely the abuse of drugs that are commonly used by professional body builders!
ANABOLIC STEROIDS
The most common and the most available drug for body builders is definitely a testosterone called “Test” in the bodybuilders’ world!
These medications called anabolic steroids are frequently used in gyms all around the world. Owners of the most bodybuilding magazines are supplement companies who claim that their bodybuilding products are the best although they push it out without any scientific merit. Some of them even actually encourage use of steroids!!!
Anabolic steroids are drugs that resemble a lot to androgenic hormones such as testosterone. Many professional body builders are using them hopping that they will gain more muscle weight, strength, power, speed, endurance, and aggressiveness. Physiologically, male hormones such as testosterone are responsible for many developmental changes that occur mostly in puberty!
There are two types of testosterone effects:
- Androgenic effects - Testosterone is responsible for primary and secondary sexual characteristics including enlargement of the penis, voice changes, hair growth and several other effects…
- Anabolic effects – accelerated growth of muscle, bone, and red blood cells. These are target effects of all bodybuilders!
These medications work by stimulation of certain receptors found on muscle cells. When these receptors are stimulated- specific genes are producing proteins.
They also change the complete enzyme lists that are actually involved in this process!
One hypothesis about anabolic steroids has not been fully proven, but, there are many proofs that these hormones have anti-catabolic effects! This means that they prevent tissue breakdown during and after exercise that it usually caused by other hormones such as cortisol. This would significantly speed recovery time after hard training. Beside these, “physical effects” of anabolic steroids- there are also many psychological effects that are still unknown or unclear!
Several studies tried to determine more facts about one, “psychosomatic state" that these drugs are causing. This state of mind is characterized by sensations of well being, euphoria, aggressiveness and tolerance to stress.
CREATINE
This substance is normally made in our liver, pancreas and kidneys and is deposited in several tissues such as muscles, heart, brain, testicles and the eye. It primary role is participation in the metabolic production of cellular energy. There are many possible side effects that could occur if person ingest more Creatine than his body can handle and the most commons are headaches, water retention, abdominal pain and diarrhea!!!
There are many other drugs that are being used by professional body builders on daily basis such as all kinds of amino acids, Beta-hydroxy-Beta-methylbutyrate, supplements of chromium, calcium, iron… Most of the professional body builders are also using some very strong diuretics just day or two before some big competition because it will free their body from excess water!
What after?
There are many myths about the fact what happens to the body builders after they retire from competition. Although many scientists claim that these men are faced with several health problems, which still haven’t been proven!!! There aren’t really any researches that could confirm that any bodybuilder had major health problems or any other long-term negative side effects from long term body building and the use of steroids.
