Let's get our terms straight when we speak of bodybuilding for girls. Many woman take immediate offense if they are called a girl. Unless, of course, they are speaking with one of their "girl friends". We mean no offense here and in this article, we really are talking about girls. Young women in their teens.



Although much of what we say is applicable to woman of any age who are realizing that they can become fit, strong and toned just the same as males. Bodybuilding can be just as great of a benefit to girls as to boys, but their programs have to be different.

Determine Your Goals...

Girls need to decide what it is that they want to accomplish through bodybuilding and then set realistic weight training goals. Often, girls approach bodybuilding simply to control their weight, while others want to firm up and get toned. A desire to excel in athletic activities also drives some of the girls to the gym.

No matter what your goals are, they need to be specific and write them down. This helps you keep your target in mind during the workouts. If you lose sight of your goals, chances are good that you will also lose all motivation and your desire to continue with your training.

Hormonal Differences Are Important...

A big difference for girls bodybuilding is that they don't produce as much testosterone as teenage boys, but that is okay. You really don't want to produce the big muscles that guys do. Your main goal is probably to tone your muscles and sculpt a beautiful body. That doesn't take great amounts of testosterone - it takes a plan and much dedication.

Girls May Need Supplements...

Girls have different nutritional needs than the guys do. When you start a body building workout you will need to supplement with iron due to blood loss during menstruation. An iron supplement should be taken with grapefruit juice or a similar drink so the acid can help your body absorb the iron.

You should also probably consider a protein supplement since it is the basic muscle building material in the body. You may just be trying to and tone up and not be working out to build muscle, but you don't want to lose any muscle tissue either.

Speaking of supplements, boys should not take testosterone replacement supplements due to the harmful side effects and this goes double for girls. They can not only make you look and sound more like a man but they can seriously effect your development and your ability to have children.

Your Body Needs To Recover...

Plenty of rest is needed by both girls and boys who are actively body building. Adequate rest is important for any young person, but when you are working your body, it becomes critical. Muscles grow and develop when the body is in a state of rest. When you sleep, your muscles grow and repair themselves from the normal tearing down that occurs during muscle building workouts.

Seek Appropriate Advice...

Teenage girls need to get the advice of a knowledgable adult before starting a bodybuilding program. Look for a developed for girls - not one designed for maximum muscle growth. With a little work, it is possible for you to use bodybuilding as an overall fitness program to achieve a beautiful, healthy, toned body to be proud of. Then enjoy what you've done and the envious looks of all the other girls!