A bodybuildingor resistance training, can be practiced by teenagers and even children who have not yet entered puberty. The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP) says this in its official website.
This is because this type of exercise is not just aimed at making muscles grow. According to the agency, it can be important for little ones because it increases muscle strength (even without hypertrophy) and reduces the risk of fractures, in addition to improving motor coordination and flexibility. “Resistance training increases the production of growth hormone and testosterone, stimulates bone cross-section and improves strength through neural adaptations”, adds the article.
But of course, children shouldn't do the same exercises as adults. Bodybuilding in childhood needs to be adapted to the age group, always taking some precautions. See what SBP recommends:
Bodybuilding care for children and adolescents
- The little one needs to go through frequent pediatrician reviews – and not just before starting activities, as is common in the case of adults. “It must be ensured that the child or adolescent is growing and gaining weight appropriately. Inadequate growth may indicate excessive training or insufficient nutrition for the exercises performed”;
- Moves need to count always under professional supervisionwith instructors prepared to deal with younger audiences, offering physical stimulation appropriate to weight and age;
- According to SBP, loads with 40 to 50% of the adolescent's maximum strength are the most idealas they are unlikely to cause injury. “During the growth phase, exercises aimed at gaining pure strength should not be allowedwith one to three maximum repetitions (i.e., unable to do the fourth repetition)”;
- Finally, no supplements at this age. “Except in specific cases, such as teenagers who practice activities that require a lot of training, such as Olympic sports. In most cases, an adequate diet can provide the amount of energy and nutrients necessary for physical training. THE use of hormones is contraindicated for children and adolescentsand parents should observe when the teenager begins to gain mass too quickly.”
