How Do I Get Started

Strength training (also called resistance training) is a way to build muscles and strength using free weights, kettlebells, weight machines, resistance bands, or a person's own weight. Teens may want to strength train to improve sports performance, treat or prevent injuries, or improve appearance. Free weights are portable and inexpensive, but it might take some practice to learn good technique. People can also use resistance bands and even their own body weight (as in push-ups, sit-ups, planks, and squats) for Prime Boosts strength training. If you haven't started puberty, strength training will help you get stronger but your muscles won't get bigger. Because guys have more testosterone than girls do, they get bigger muscles. What Are the Benefits of Strength Training? How Do I Get Started? Before you start strength training, visit your doctor to make sure it's safe for Prime Boosts Supplement you to lift weights. When you get the OK from your doctor, get some guidance and expert advice.



Coaches and trainers who work at schools, gyms, and in weight rooms know about strength training. Many schools offer weight or Prime Boosts Supplement circuit training in their gym classes. Or check out your local gym to see if you can sign up for Prime Boosts Supplement a strength training class or work with a personal trainer. Look for someone who is a certified strength training expert with experience working with teens. The best way to learn proper technique is to do the exercises without any weight. After you've mastered the technique, you can gradually add weight as long as you can comfortably do the exercise for 8-12 repetitions. When lifting weights - either free weights or on a machine - make sure that someone is nearby to supervise. Having a spotter is especially important when weightlifting. Even someone in great shape sometimes just can't make that last rep. It's no big deal if you're doing biceps curls; all you'll have to do is drop the weight onto the floor.



But if you're in the middle of a bench press - a chest exercise where you're lying on a bench and pushing a loaded barbell away from your chest - it's easy to get hurt if you drop the weight. A spotter can keep you from dropping the barbell onto your chest. Is Strength Training Safe? Strength-training programs are generally safe. When done properly, strength training won’t hurt growing bones. Teens with some medical conditions - such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, or Prime Boosts Supplement heart problems - will need to be cleared by their doctors before starting a strength-training program. When you're in the middle of a strength-training session and something doesn't feel right to you, you feel pain, or if you hear or feel a "pop" during a workout, stop what you're doing. Have a doctor check it out before you go back to training. You may need to change your training or even stop lifting weights for a while to allow the injury to heal.



Many people tend to lump all types of weightlifting together. But there's a big difference between strength training, powerlifting, and bodybuilding. Powerlifting concentrates on how much weight a person can lift at one time. The goal of competitive bodybuilding is to build muscle size and definition.