Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 382, Messages: 54581

Various general exercise related discussions. Find out what it takes to reach your fitness goals through daily effective exercise. With so many options we try to find out what works best.

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Look at my picture

lukecrane
lukecrane
Posts: 4
Joined: 2003/07/27
United States
2003/07/29, 10:55 AM
Hi im a 13 year old male 6'9 121 pounds with about 17.9% body fat... Well i wanted to know.. looking at this picture do you think i need to bulk up on muscle and if so.. how?
http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/coolkidonline2003/lst?.dir=/lukes+pictures&.view=t
chonga23
chonga23
Posts: 18
Joined: 2003/06/22
Canada
2003/07/29, 11:01 AM
ur only like 10 years old man, dont bulk up, if u wanna start to bodybuild at that age, jus do things that dont involve weights, things like situps, leg raises, pushups, and running for cardio, dont start lifting weights at the age that u are at.
lukecrane
lukecrane
Posts: 4
Joined: 2003/07/27
United States
2003/07/29, 11:09 AM
Whats the diffrents?? They both work muscles and im 13.
chonga23
chonga23
Posts: 18
Joined: 2003/06/22
Canada
2003/07/29, 11:11 AM
because, if you start lifting weights that are too heavy for you to handle, it will cause hormone problems that will stunt your growth and close your growth plates! if oyunare gonna lift weights, just strt of at low ones
inv3rt
inv3rt
Posts: 67
Joined: 2003/07/28
United States
2003/07/29, 11:12 AM
13 years old... 6'9"... 121 lbs... 17.9% body fat...

Something doesn't add up here bud. Check your stats again. =/

At 13 you might consider watching what you eat, and play sports or lift weights more often. <i>Actual</i> weight training isn't recommended for your stage in dovelopment though. You dont look overweight, so no worries. ;)

Repost your correct stats for more help, heh.
lukecrane
lukecrane
Posts: 4
Joined: 2003/07/27
United States
2003/07/29, 11:14 AM
WOOPS! 5'9 NOT 6'9
richardjst
richardjst
Posts: 410
Joined: 2002/07/13
United States
2003/07/29, 11:21 AM
If you truly want to lift weights, i started when I was 14 and i feel it wasn't soon enough....learn about the sport....start off with very light weights, always have a knowledgable adult around when you lift so you get good form....I read somewhere that a good 90% of people who have experienced stunted growth due to weights is not because of lifting but because of bad form....bad form can hurt us all but bad form when your growth plates havent stopped growing is when you get into trouble. If you are going to lift be smart about it, don't worry about bulking at your age, you are just hitting puberty and naturally you will bulk up anyway...

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If hard work and persistence were the keys to success, most people would opt to pick the lock.~Dick
2003/07/29, 12:21 PM
If you were a 6'9" 13-year-old, I'd be happy to inform you how I could help make you an NBA superstar as your agent/attorney.

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OSU Law Rugby....specializing in personal injury and pain & suffering.
da95es
da95es
Posts: 8
Joined: 2003/07/11
United States
2003/07/30, 04:26 AM
Luke, don't listen to those who say you are too young to begin lifting weights! And as for that comment about lifting adversely affecting your hormones, ignore that as well. However, you DO need a qualified lifting coach or personal trainer who can instruct you on how to lift properly. Make sure to start with very low weights and use higher repetitions. Eat healthy and get lots of rest. Weight lifting is absolutely appropriate for someone your age, especially if you are active in sports (it will ultimately prevent sports injuries if done correctly). Nearly all studies done on resistance training injuries in adolescents show that injuries occur when the lifter was working out without a coach/instructor present. So if you are going to lift, you need someone to both teach you and spot your lifts to avoid growth plate and other related injuries.
lukeonline
lukeonline
Posts: 2
Joined: 2003/04/29
United States
2003/08/01, 11:03 AM
I did a teens on weights thing at the ymca. Its 6 weeks long 2 times a week. So i know the proper form and stuff.
gwindalyn
gwindalyn
Posts: 434
Joined: 2003/01/15
United States
2003/08/01, 04:26 PM
Before we have someone who is not an adult all gung ho on lifting or discouraged from it, let's please find out what he means by lifting and bulking. Those words mean different things to different people. Some of them are not healthy for someone at 13 years old, and some are things they should be doing.

I'm not basing what I'm going to say on your age. I'm basing it on your body and how far along in development you seem to be along with your posts and how mature you seem to be. I mean no offense at all..just being honest...you do look younger than 13 in the pictures. If they are recent, then chances are your body still has a lot of development to go.

First, I do not believe that weight lifting will stunt your growth. However, I also do not believe you should be lifting as if you are wanting to be in a body building competition either.

If you are talking about looking like the incredible hulk or Arnold, I'd suggest you hold off until you are at LEAST 15...preferrably 18.

If you are talking about gaining muscle and strength so you look more athletic and have less chance of injury in sports, then go for it. If you were my little brother, I'd advise you to be active in a variety of sports as well as running, bicycling, jump rope, and swimming. Then add in weight training.

I'm going to quote some information from a body builder who started at 11 years old.

"There is a difference between weight training, weight lifting, bodybuilding, and power lifting. The goal of weight training is to to improve the musculoskeletal strength. Teens who follow a weight-training and exercise program cut in half their risk of sports injury and improve their sports performance. Strength training also works to increase bone density and strengthen ligaments and tendons. If you wish to make gains, THE most important thing while training is FORM. Never feel tempted to use heavier weight just because someone else is. Stick to good form and keep the weight in control throughout the movement, and you will see gains, but if you sacrafice form for weight, your gains will come much slower and you could be injured. Nutrition is the single most important part of training. If your diet is not balanced and varied with healthy foods, then you will not grow, and you can, in fact, lose muscle. In order to grow you must have a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat. Proper training is 70% nutrition, 20% supplementation, and 20% training. You grow while you're alseep...not while you're in the weight room. Be sure you are getting plenty of sleep each night."

My added advice would be:
Even if you do know the proper form, do NOT lift alone. Have an experienced adult beside you at all times. Seasoned veterans who have lifted for 20+ years have a partner to spot them. This is for a reason. To prevent serious injury or worse. I'd suggest finding a personal trainer that is a nutritionist who can help you set up a daily routine and also give you some pointers on what to eat and what not to eat. The YMCA should be able to direct you to someone. Lastly, drink a LOT of water.



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~Jennifer
http://www.gwindalyn.com
If you dont stand for something, you will fall for anything.