Puberty is a process in which your body grows rapidly and matures, building significant levels of muscle mass and bone mass along the way, according to Virginia Tech. Adolescent boys and girls can begin to gain muscle before puberty. However, if you try this, you may find that it doesn't work as well as you wish, because your body simply isn't ready to build muscles yet.
Development Basics
Puberty represents the point in your development when your body's hormones become active, according to Virginia Tech. These hormones spur significant growth in both bones and muscles -- it's normal for adolescents approaching puberty to grow 4 inches or more in height and put on significant weight in a year. Adolescent males gain muscle mostly due to the influence of the male sex hormone testosterone, which promotes muscle bulk and strength.
Muscle-building Options
Prior to puberty, you simply don't have the hormones to build significant muscle. However, that shouldn't stop you from working out, since weight training can begin to improve your muscle size and strength as you approach puberty and your hormones become more active, according to the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children.
Weight-training Guidelines
You can begin weight training safely as long as you've got some adult supervision to make sure you don't get hurt, according to Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. You also should set realistic goals for yourself and understand that you aren't going to build huge amounts of muscles until you pass puberty. Warm up for 10 minutes before lifting weights, and use proper technique.
Considerations
Steer clear of nutritional supplements and other products that promise significant gains in muscles for adolescents and teenagers, according to Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. You probably don't need protein in the form of protein supplements, since you likely get enough protein in your diet. You also don't need the vitamins, minerals and other substances marketed in supplements to enhance your muscles, and some can even be dangerous. Stick with careful weight-lifting as part of an overall exercise routine to gain the most muscle you can before puberty.
Member Comments