Is Bodybuilding Okay For A Preteen Like Me?

Lifting weights can help people of all ages to achieve their exercise goals. Although lifting weights has a wide range of benefits, bodybuilders may focus specifically on the development and definition of muscles. While you may not experience the same gains in muscle mass as a fully grown adult, bodybuilding is generally safe and healthy if you are a preteen.

Myths

Beliefs about weightlifting being dangerous, ineffective and possibly stunting the growth of children are misconceptions, according to Drs. Avery Faigenbaum of the University of Massachusetts and Wayne Westcott of the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts. In their 2009 book, these researchers point out that, if performed properly, weightlifting is safer than most sports played by children and may help to prevent injuries acquired from other activities.

In a 2008 review, Betsy Keller of Ithaca College suggests that support for weightlifting's negative impact on growth arises from studies on young athletes in sports that are well-suited for shorter people, such as women's gymnastics and competitive dancing. Instead of stunting children's growth, Keller highlights research indicating that weightlifting promotes bone growth and density better than other forms of exercise for children.

Bodybuilding for Preteens

Drs. Faigenbaum and Westcott note that weightlifting in childhood may help to curb rising obesity rates. In addition, they state that your preteen years are the best time to build bone, with a stronger musculoskeletal system in your preteen years helping to prevent age-related bone disorders later in life. In a 2009 study, Katherine Dahab and Teri McCambridge of Johns Hopkins University point out that the effects of bodybuilding as a preteen are not only felt later in life. After only eight to 12 weeks of weight training, these researchers found that preteens experienced 30 to 50 percent gains in strength that could be maintained with continued biweekly exercise.

Risks

While all of the above researchers point out that weightlifting is safe and beneficial for preteens, they note that most injuries arise from poorly executed lifts. In addition to improper form, preteens run a high risk of injury if attempting to lift too much weight. As bodybuilding focuses on ever-increasing amounts of weight to rapidly increase muscle mass, supervision and education are essential to a safe bodybuilding program for preteens. Drs. Faigenbaum and Westcott also point out that, while you may tailor your diet to suit your bodybuilding goals, you should not begin using any supplements at such a young age without your doctor's approval.

Is Bodybuilding Okay for Preteens?

If performed properly, bodybuilding can be one of the safest and most effective physical activities for preteens. According to a 2010 book by fitness expert Dr. James Hesson, the benefits of weightlifting in children extend beyond immediate physical gains. In addition to gains in strength and reduced risk of injury, he points out that weightlifting may make other activities easier and more enjoyable, improve your overall levels of physical and mental health and generally make you feel better about yourself.