Weightlifting and strength training are essential for teenagers

To answer the question directly, teenagers are not in danger from lifting weights. Several experts in kids’ health agree that the teenage years are the best time to indulge in strength-building exercises. Those trainings contribute to their bone strength and build the bone structure.

What most questioning parents and blooming kids do not know is that weight lifting counts as one of the excellent exercises for strength training. If done right, lifting weights offers several benefits to teenagers who indulge. Some of those advantages are highlighted in this article and tips to correct weight lifting for teenagers.

We hope you find it handy!

5 Benefits of weight lifting for teenagers

Adults lift weights for several reasons which contribute to their healthy living. They target the exercise to several goals like muscular endurance, circuit training, agility, muscle building, and muscle strengthening. According to training experts, weight lifting does the same thing in teenagers as in grownups, including the benefits and possible side effects.

When teenagers lift the weights, they stand to gain even better because strength training is most efficient at their age. Here are some of the reasons a teenager should indulge in strength training;

1. Strength building: This is the major benefit of weight lifting for teenagers. It gives you the power to carry out your daily activities without expending unnecessary energy. You can easily run errands, carry grocery bags, and keep up with other kids on the playground or during a sporting activity.

2. Burn excess calories: Do you want to lose some weight? Weight lifting helps with that! Any strength training exercise will help increase your metabolic rate, which helps to burn calories during and after the workout. It also helps reduce abdominal fat and prevents illnesses that may develop in the aftermath. If you have been gunning to become lean, weight lifting also helps tackle that.

3. Improves body support: People with weak bones usually lose balance quickly. Such a person is more susceptible to injuries. However, when you engage in weight lifting, it helps to build your balance and teaches resistance. It also strengthens your joints, ligaments, and tendons. That way, you can support your body adequately and prevent injuries.

4. Develop stronger bones: When you lift weights, your bone feels the pressure and, in defense, grows stronger to resist it. That is why, as time goes on, you can increase the weights as the bones get stronger.

5. Promotes heart health: Weight lifting helps reduce your blood sugar level, which is responsible for heart diseases. When you lift weights, your muscle mass increases and helps reduce glucose in the bloodstream. It causes the insulin in your body to become more sensitive and reduces heart disease risks and diabetes.

Despite all the benefits above, there are some myths about lifting weights that parents seem to be concerned about, like stunted growth, injuries, fatigue, and whatnot. The truth is that there is currently no proof that weight lifting stagnates growth in adolescents. They may, however, experience other issues like fatigue and injuries if they do not engage in the exercise correctly.

Tips for strength training for teenagers

It is crucial to follow the correct practices to avoid the adverse effects of lifting weight in teenagers. The following tips will help your teenager enjoy the benefits of weight lifting and prevent side effects;

● Use the proper technique when lifting weights: When you commit errors while carrying out the exercise, it may take a toll on your lower back, knees, chest, joints, and other body parts. Ensure you are lifting the weight correctly for effectiveness.

● Do not indulge in steroids: Many people who complain of stunted growth from weight lifting probably use steroids. Steroids, according to scientists, cause stagnation in growth and issues with skeletal development. Do not take steroids.

● Engage in proper dieting: Ensure that you eat healthily. Foods that have proteins and carbohydrates help severally in building your muscle strength. Do not be scared you will gain excess weight because working out helps direct the fats into the appropriate areas.

● Do not lift excessive weights: Do not go past your expected lifting limit. Yes, it pays to push past your comfort zone but do not push it too far. Increase your weight gradually so that the body gets used to it and preps for something heavier.

There you have it! Weight lifting counts as an important workout for teenagers who want to build strength and grow stronger bones. Apart from all the benefits listed in this article, Weight lifting improves teenagers’ overall confidence and helps them maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you want to ensure that your kid is doing it right and safely, engage the expertise of a training instructor.