Focus On Breathing
Breathing will make or break any fitness activity. Always breathe out on the exertion part of an exercise. Reversing breath may lead to nausea or fainting.
Follow Great Biomechanics
Unless your teen plays football or is involved in a sport where he or she needs to push someone away, he or she does not need to bring the barbell to his or her chest. Sport-specific training is used for the sport that is played, so make sure your teen trains for his or her sport.
If your teen likes to exercise, a smart rule he or she can practice is the 90-degree rule. Whatever exercise you teen does: chest press, shoulder press, squat, leg press or lunge, do not go past 90 degrees. It will keep him or her safe and injury-free.
More: 5 Exercises to Improve Posture
Don't Go Super Heavy
Teens are still growing. In order to avoid disruption to growth plates, your teen should skip heavy weights; the skeletal structure cannot handle it. If your teen is closer to 18 years old, then he or she can start to implement the overload principle. If he or she is 13 to 15 years of age, then your teen should stick to muscular-endurance exercises and learn correct form before applying heavier loads.
Note: Remember to speak with your teen's physician before they start any workout program.
More: Nutrition Tips for Young Athletes
Stay in shape in a fitness class.
