Hard Bodies and Beautiful Bodies

Teens are bombarded daily with the message that image is all important. The current ideal is that girls should be ultra-thin and boys muscular or “ripped.”

As a strength and conditioning coach, I am frequently asked by girls which diet pill is best for losing weight; the boys are worse than the girls with their questions about pills that will help them get “ripped.” These kids are looking for the magic pill, a quick fix. TV, film, and popular magazines tell them it’s available. Fortunately for them, there is no miracle overnight solution, but there are healthy ways that teens (and adults) can lose weight and build muscle.

Foundation

Food can be more powerful than any fat burner or pill. In most cases, the kids who are experimenting with weight control pills and muscle enhancement products are usually the ones who lack a solid “food foundation.” Before teenagers or adults consider incorporating weight-loss products into their diets, they need to first establish a solid food foundation.

Frequency

Consuming five to six meals throughout the day gives the body a constant influx of nutrients that can create the perfect environment for healthy fat loss and lean muscle growth. Eating balanced meals with healthy snacks in between will also sustain blood sugar levels, curbing sugar cravings and enhancing performance.

Potential

Exercise and resistance training deliver what boxers would call the knock-out punch in fat loss and muscle building. For teens, proper weight training with a solid food foundation is the only way to help them discover their true physique potential. Girls should not worry about getting muscular like the guys. Their male counterparts produce more testosterone than they do, which is the main reason that guys are more muscular than girls.

Participating in school athletics is not only a great way to stay active, but it can also help teens become familiar with how to best use the equipment in a weight room. Every athlete has access to the team weight room in their school–and it’s free!

An alternative is to sign up with a knowledgeable personal trainer who will start your teen on his or her personalized weight training regimen.

Influence

It has been said that everything starts in the home. Research shows that parents can have a positive influence on the choices their children make. Parents who lead by example can be the best role models for their kids.

Trainer Tip for Parents

When choosing a personal trainer for your teen, find someone with the right combination of education and certification, who has a great reputation among the other kids they train. It’s worth listening to the word-of-mouth recommendations.

Food Foundation Quiz