DS13 wants to do Bodybuilding

[Tarrarra]

DS13 is really unhappy with the way he looks, and feels self conscious of his skinny arms and legs. He has bought himself some hand held weights and a kettleball, and was initially doing a few exercises. I was quite supportive of this, as I thought it was a positive thing to do.

This week, I think someone has said something, as he is now obsessed with only eating protein, and is saying that he is going to work out for ages to get bigger muscles. He's watching clips on youtube for advice...

I have tried to explain that at his age, it's really important to have a balanced diet and eat pretty much everything in moderation. He was previously eating well and eats a varied healthy diet. I suggested that he speak to his school PE teacher to get a more realistic exercise and nutrition program.

I have also expressed concern that he may overdo it on the exercise and do himself an injury. Or, do himself some Atkins style damage through not eating carbs.

I'm quite worried that he's now so anxious about it. How can I help him to just be comfortable in his own skin. Has anyone got any ideas, or been through similar with their own teenager? Do you think I should ask school to intervene?

Thanks

[specialsubject]

sounds like he is being bullied, although it may be considered a 'mild' case - no such thing of course. Nasty kids will pick on others for anything.

yes, he needs to get off the internet and get some real advice. Perhaps join a sport club of some sort?

he's only 13, he won't look like that forever!

[Tarrarra]

Thanks for replying. I did wonder whether there had been a trigger and spoke with him tonight. He said that he had a few scuffles today, and we talked them over. Nothing major, but something was said about him being skinny...

[lubeybooby]

Bodybuilders don't have to have no carbs, in fact a decent ratio is encouraged. Have him look at the reddit fitness forum, particularly the progress posts where people clearly set out their routines and what to eat etc. They are very good there at quashing myths and advising on the correct and safe way to go about things. many of us wish we had got into informed, safe fitness younger!

[BeachysFlipFlops]

If you have a good gym near you, it may be worth investigating teen classes. My ds who is 14, has taken up muay Thai and it's really raised his confidence and helped his strength and muscles. It doesn't build up huge bulk but is more about contouring.

[Tarrarra]

I will have a look at the Reddit fitness forum and also phone local leisure centres and see what's available, thanks both of you!

[MagicalHamSandwich]

What everyone else said re. trying to make sure he goes about it in a sensible way.

The good news is: this, too, shall probably pass. This tall, slim (in a good way) man I know told me he used to body build. Didn't believe a word of it until a saw a picture. He looked ridiculous but appears to have returned to normal.

[RachelZoe]

My boys are all hugely into fitness/having "good" bodies etc (but not quite body building, more like footballer type bodies, Ronaldo etc), they are all also avid users of Reddits fitness sub. They are very strict over there about being realistic and it seems a healthy environment. Also get him so real life advice too, perhaps book a session with a personal trainer to advise him on technique and things like that?

It's very popular these days for young guys to be hugely into fitness/their physiques, combination of athletes doing underwear ads and emerging masculinity I think. This is where the ribbing comes from, when something becomes the norm the outliers will unfortunately get picked on. Bloody teenagers

[FreeWorker1]

My DS2 is going through this 'phase'.

Not really a good idea to serious body building until he is older. I have done heavy weight raining when I was 16-18 but really young bodies are easily injured. Swimming, gymnastics, judo, athletics are all natural and enjoyable ways of toning the body and gaining personal confidence.

I suggest if he really wants to do it he joins a gym with a proper trainer with age appropriate exercise. Weight training is not something anyone should do alone or without some exert advice. Its easy to inure yourself and in any case doing the right exercise in the right way is essential.

[ihatethecold]

My DS15 has just joined a local gym. He isn't allowed on the free weights until he is 16 so he can't injure himself.
He can only use the weight machines and cardio equipment.

[Tarrarra]

Great advice, thank you.