Strength training provides significant health benefits in addition to muscle building, as discussed by fitness expert Stefan Bittner. He emphasizes the importance of strength training for young individuals, highlighting its role in supporting the skeletal system and preventing health issues. Motivations for training often stem from concerns about physical appearance during puberty. Bittner advises beginners to seek guidance from trainers to navigate the abundance of online fitness information and warns against the risks of steroid use, advocating for a balanced approach to fitness and nutrition.
Strength training offers numerous benefits beyond just building muscle and enhancing physical appearance; it also provides significant health advantages. In an insightful conversation, fitness expert Stefan Bittner shares essential tips for young individuals eager to embark on their training journey.
WAIDHOFEN/THAYA. Developing strong muscles supports the skeletal system, enhances posture, and can help avert various health issues, including joint degeneration. Consequently, strength training is becoming increasingly vital in preventive health measures. However, it is not without its risks, particularly concerning the misuse of steroids.
What Drives Young People to the Gym?
Stefan Bittner: Many young people are motivated to start training due to the importance they place on their physical appearance and how they are perceived during the pivotal stage of puberty. Whether they feel too slim or overweight, engaging in sports often appears to be the natural solution. It provides an avenue to distinguish themselves and build healthy self-esteem. In the past, girls often felt pressure to be thin, which unfortunately led some to develop eating disorders as they equated starvation with achieving their ideal image. Thankfully, there’s a positive shift today towards valuing a fit and toned physique over mere thinness. For boys, the primary goal is often to appear athletic and muscular. This group typically falls into two categories: those who are new to fitness or struggle with weight, and those who are already fit but wish to enhance their physique through strength training.
What’s the Right Age to Start Training?
Determining a specific age for beginning strength training is challenging, as adolescents progress at different rates. Generally, for some equipment, a height of over 1.40 meters is advisable. Ultimately, what matters more is whether the desire to train comes from the young individual and if they are committed to regular workouts. At our Fit Aktivcenter, many start training as early as 13.
Potential Initial Challenges and Risks
One major concern is the overwhelming amount of information available online. While platforms like Instagram and YouTube can be beneficial, they also make it difficult to discern credible advice, as anyone can post anything regardless of its validity. Therefore, I strongly recommend that beginners engage with a trainer initially. After a couple of guided sessions and a personalized training plan, individuals can confidently continue on their own.
Can Training Lead to Health Issues?
Most health complications stem from a lack of physical activity rather than from exercising. In today’s technology-driven environment, many children and teenagers are significantly lacking in strength, endurance, and coordination due to insufficient movement. While the risk of injury exists in every sport, it is minimized in fitness training, where the focus is on executing exercises with proper form.
The Issue of Steroids
Steroids may promise quicker muscle growth, which can be an enticing prospect. The visibility of some fitness influencers who openly admit to using steroids can spark curiosity among amateur athletes. However, not only is steroid use illegal, but it also poses significant health risks. Many individuals focus solely on the immediate benefits, overlooking the potential long-term damage. It’s my belief that compromising one’s hormonal balance is an unnecessary health risk for someone who is casually pursuing fitness. Young people and young adults possess immense potential to cultivate a strong, athletic physique through consistent training, balanced nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle — all without the associated health dangers!
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