Quote:
Originally Posted by FadedMyxomatosis
Hey everyone.
I'm 13, 170 pounds and 5' 5". I've really gotten into getting into shape lately. I hate knowing I can get fatter and fatter, increasing my man boobs. I've started exercising alot and I feel better about myself even thought it's been only a week or so. I've also started weight lifting, and it feels great to work my muscles.
So I had a few questions.
1.) Does weight lifting affect growth? A friend told me it did, but I'm not sure. Can someone clarify?
2.) What would a good limit for weight and reps be? I can handle probably 40 pounds and thats including the bar, without hurting my arm.
3.) Anything I can do to advance muscle growth? I don't want to use steroids or anything like that. Maybe Creatine or Whey Protein.
Thanks guys, I'm going to be working out with a close friend every weekend at the local gym in addition to my workouts as home. I'm considering even making a progress journal.
Thanks!
James
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13's fine to use weights but proper form must always be first and foremost. Injuries at your age can lead to life long abborations. Sacrafice poundage to secure form. always.
1. Weight lifting can affect growth to a degree but heigh is predominantly linked with diet. Your genes predetermine your height, but you only achieve the maximum potential if you eat what you ought to. Eat meat, but not constantly. If you're going to stay in shape, you need to git the food groups somewhat equally.
2. Depends what you're going for. 8 to 10 reps is standard but if you're looking to get bigger then it should be 4 to 6 reps. And when I say that I mean thats how many you can do, not how many you choose to do.*
3. Those products are horrible and you shoudl avoid them at all costs. I wouldn't say they are damaging long term, but their certainly not good. Stick to a meat (less cow, more fish, and always chicken/pork), potatoes (starches in general, pasta counts), and vegetibles. (pick you're own but the darker the green the better).
*The biggest piece of advice I can give to any young weightlifter is this: get a partner. Spotting allows you to get closer to goals quicker. Have them only help you as much as it takes to move something. As a 5'10 guy who starts as thin as a rail, with a parter I got to about 192 on the bench which is farily good for how infrequently we actually worked out. Its about 1.5x my own body weight. Or was.
A partner also helps you to get to the gym. I'd have blown off so many nights if I was by myself. Getting there is 90% of the issue.