Any advice for teens just starting out?

[a.rihn]

What advice would you give teens who are just starting to work out?

Let me give some context: At the gym where I work out (a general community center, not a boxing gym), there are a couple of teenage boys who have been coming around the same time as me. They are freshman in high school (I think), and about as thin as possible. If they play sports, it's gotta be something like track, definitely not football. They do seem to have some basic conditioning, but little to no experience with weight training.

I've helped them with some form, but I'm wondering if anyone has advice they would give teens just starting out. To be clear, I don't know what their actual fitness goals are, or really much about them at all, and I realize that makes giving advice all the more difficult.

But still, any general tips for beginners? Any physiological concerns with teens working out? Basically I'm saying I don't know how to talk to young people - help me out!

[OctoberRed]

Early teens, late teens?

[W1LL]

If they are going to get hung up on "MUST EAT PROTEIN", make sure they know that consuming any more than 40g in one sitting is pointless. Look to consume 30-35g per sitting and no more. Anything over that just goes down the toilet. It is more important to balance the protein intake throughout the day. Between 1-1.5g of protein per 1lb they weigh, depending on their goals. For example, a 140lb man looking to bulk up would be looking at max 140 x 1.5g of protein per day, or 210g. Personally I've found 1g per 1lb to be fine regardless whether cutting, bulking, whatever.

[VegasMichael]

I'm far from an expert but I was always told that younger teens or those who haven't physically matured enough yet should not lift weights but stick with calisthenics.

[5'9"-132lbs.]

It all starts in the sand lot.

Take a physical by your doctor.
Stick with calisthenics.
The body is still developing.
The kid is still growing
Organized sports comes with a coach.
Parents shouldn't get involved in coaching.
Parents and friends are not coaches.
That's the coaches job.

[a.rihn]

Thanks everybody for the comments. This was pretty helpful, reminding me in particular that it's not *my job* necessarily to be offering help when I see teens in the gym.

[5'9"-132lbs.]

Don't talk to strangers.

Be first!

necessarily to be offering help when I see teens in the gym.

Hitting someone is bad. Don't ever hit anyone.

[Jamesfranklin]

Starting with less weights and gradually increasing the performance is best for teenagers. Following are some points for teenagers
1- Getting a good coach who is experienced in weight lifting. The reason is very clear, as in early age the weight lifting should be done accurately as muscles and bones are not matured.
2-Following a custom diet plan according to weight lifestyle of each individual.
3-Taking part in many other sports for fitness.