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Teenagers and Weight Training (part 2)

By: Mick Hart

Make the routines fun and not monotonus and never insist on forcing youngsters to carry out an excercise they cant handle. Start with free standing and flexibility training , and concentrate on sporting skills which require team work. Dont forget as expressed in part 1 that all weight training exercises should be light to medium, avoiding spine bending activities such as heavy low squats and other dangerous exercises such as dead lifts.



A lifting belt should always be worn and must be encouraged for recommended exercises such as light barbell squats to parallel and presses behind the neck. Make sure that the bar is padded and dont bounce the barbell on the spinal column at the back of the neck. And most important of all is the presence of a spotter while bench pressing, as deaths have occured due to bars dropping onto lifters necks. Bench presses should never be performed alone.



Try out dumbbell exercises making sure the collar is secure and have a go at lying triceps stretches for the arms and standing lateral raises for shoulders. Encourage high repetitions for fitness, especially while performing sit ups for abs and stick to the crunches version, keeping the knees bent. Avoid infections such as atheletes foot by good hygiene and always train in clean clothing and footware.



RECOMMENDED TRAINING FOR THE OVER 14s On reaching the age of 14, supervised weight training can begin. The majority of weight excercises can be carried out with the exception of heavy dead lifts and barbell rowing, which can be harmful to the lower back. Heavy squats can also cause knees problems and hip problems can also develop in later life.



Now is the time to increase exercise routines and muscular development will soon be visible. Normal warm up exercises should always be observed to avoid any back or muscle injury. Pay attention to style combined with a full range of movements, and encourage participation in sporting activities such as gymnastics or martial arts. A trainer must be vigilant at all times and he is fully responsible for any teenagers health and safety.



ROUTINE FOR THE UNDER 14s Start off by warming up with some running on the spot, twists, knee bends and arm swings and then procede to the 1st exercise. Ex 1: Press behind neck with barbell. 2 sets 8 to 10 times. Ex 2: Half squats to bench top with barbell. 1 set 12 reps for the legs and lungs. Always use Squat stands and youngsters must always have a spotter. Ex 3: Pullovers with centrally loaded dumbbell 1 x 12 using a light weight, the idea is for chest expansion and always use after squats while still out of breath.



Ex 4: Barbell bench presses 1 x 10 reps, have a spotter close by, don't bounce the weights off the chest and use good style and full range. Ex 5: Barbell curls for the biceps, the way to big arms, 1 x 10 reps, don't cheat or swing the weight up. Ex 6: Crunches for the abdominals, start off with one set of maximum reps, try to work up to at least 30 reps, then you can add more sets, great to get to grips with that all important six pack. Finally Ex 7: Calf raises, 2 x 12 reps, Hold a dumbbell in one hand and with toes on a block raise and lower the calf via full range.



ROUTINE FOR THE OVER 14s As always warm up first Ex 1: INTERCHANGE dumbbells overhead presses 3 x 8 for the shoulders and arms. Ex 2: Full squats, this time concentrate on going right down full range, but don't bounce at the knees. Make sure a spotter is standing close by and use squat racks. Ex 3: Pullovers, use swing bell or centrally loaded dumbbell, the weight is not so important, light to medium is sufficient, the main goal being to encourage chest expansion Ex 4: Wide grip bench presses 3 x 10 for pectorals, triceps and shoulders. Ex 5: Dumbbell flyes, lying, after the bench presses, further pump the pecs with dumbbell flyes.3 x 12



Ex 6: One arm dumbbell rowing 3 x 8 for lats, arms and shoulders, use reasonably heavy weights as this is quite a safe exercise. Ex 7: Lying triceps stretches 3 x 8 for the back and major bulk muscles of the upper arms Ex 8: Crunches 2 sets of maximum reps EX 9: Alternate dumbbell curls for biceps 2 x 10 and then pumps the lower legs. Ex 10: Calf raises, use machine or dumbbell or barbell across the neck for increased resistance, calves on a block to get maximum stretch, always a must in calf training.



Forcing high poundage is not recommended, just work on slow but sure progress. Encourage a healthy diet which includes proteins, vegetables and fresh fruit. At this age enough rest and relaxation is vital for their well being and the should be kept mentally alert while not training. A range of persuits and hobbies is ideal will help to keep them mentally aware on focused on training.

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