How do i get started
Hi, I’m a thin 17 year old kid who wants to start working out but I have no idea where to start.
I have seen so many programs that tell me I can get into the best shape possible.
But, They cost way to much then I can afford.
I’ve talked with a few friends they suggest,
That I wait still I’m older because my body is still growing;
Some say I would need to know everything that my body can and can not handle weight wise
The right weights I should start with, *my body size*;
The perfect eating habits. for my *size*
I don’t know where to start can someone direct me in the right directions
Thanks
This is a big question…. one that has many parts, each of which would take a lot of pages to answer. I am not going to try to answer it all, but give you a couple of things to think about. Hopefully some of the people who work more with youth and weights than I do currently will have even better ideas for you.
First, there are general ideas and guidelines, but how to put them into practice will have a lot to do with you personally. If you were to work with someone personally they would start by asking a lot more questions than just your age. For example: do you have injuries, or conditions that would effect how to exercise safely, how physically active are you now? There are actually a whole set of questions that help determine how to begin. And then there are various ‘tests’ that can help set a baseline for where you are now. You may have done some of these at school, as I know most school systems have both health and phys. ed components. These are not things that can be answered in this format, but really need some one on one guidance.
I absolutely understand about the financial aspect…. that one on one time can be expensive. Let me make a couple of suggestions.
First, is there a Y in your area? They tend to have lower fees, and often have financial aid available for those families otherwise unable to join. And, at least the Ys with which I am familiar have a fairly inexpensive youth program to introduce younger people to the weight room.
Second, have a conversation with your family physician, (I am assuming you are still on your parents insurance and have access to one, if not and you are in college try the college health center), let them know you wish to start such a program and ask them just to give you assurance that you are good to go, and for any advice they can give.
Third, I assume by working out you do mean weights, but do not neglect the other aspects of fitness, like cardio work (e.g. walking, hiking, swimming), or stretching…. a strong and healthy body is not just measured in bulging biceps.
Fourth, The whole eating thing is a huge issue. Lots of people, some of whom have very little actual training in nutrition, will give you tons of advice in this area. Be very careful of anyone who suggests supplements or diets that involve buying a lot of premade food. I personally like Michael Pollan as an author on food, but it is much more of a book on food and ethics, than just on health. Again, ask your physician for a recommendation for a good book on basic nutrition, or the health teacher at your school.
Fifth, if you do start to ‘lift’ please do so slowly and carefully, with guidance of someone trained, certified, and experienced. Rushing to lift too heavy, too fast, or with bad form can lead to really awful injuries. This is definitely something where the tortoise beats the hare.
Good luck