Constructing a safe and effective routine with a trained professional that produces results quickly is important when a teen as well as an adult starts a bodybuilding workout program.

Teen athletes involved in bodybuilding develop skills required in any sport, like dedication and discipline. Bodybuilding as a teenager helps maintain self-esteem, and confidence, and will teach work ethic.

Physical benefits that accompany teenage bodybuilding include increased muscular strength and endurance, increased kinesthetic awareness, stronger bones and a reduced risk for weight related illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Long after these teenage athletes mature into adults the mental and physical benefits of bodybuilding will continue. Bodybuilding, like most athletics, gives teens something to focus on and helps develop self esteem.

For many years, one of the greatest concerns for teenage bodybuilding was that putting growing bodies under the strain of heavy weights over and over would cause premature closure of the growth plates resulting in stunted growth. This theory has never been proven, and if teenage bodybuilding is done properly, under the supervision of trained adults, the chances of any injuries occurring are greatly reduced.

Here's the bottom line: With appropriate supervision and training, teenagers can safely and effectively improve physical health and mental strength through bodybuilding. Every sport has inherent safety issues; however, adult participation and athlete education go in a big way to lessen the risks.

So we can now ask, how do we do the right thing in teen body building? Should teen bodybuilders read the latest bodybuilding magazines? Would it be wiser for a teenage bodybuilder to learn the tricks of the trade from their friends or from a professional? Every other day or every day, which is the better way to train? Rely on supplements? How early should they start working out? Should they focus on endurance training by lifting weights? There are many questions raised and conflicting opinions about teen bodybuilding.

The answers to those questions can be found on my web site, or you can wait for the future articles.