Once involved in the sport of bodybuilding, many teen athletes will develop the dedication and discipline that is required to excel in any sport. Teenage bodybuilding also helps to improve confidence levels, self-esteem and work ethics.

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.

Teenage athletes will retain the mental and physical benefits of bodybuilding well into their adult years. Just like other physical activity, bodybuilding allows teens to use their own focus and effort to improve their health and mind.

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.

The bottom line to weighing the risks and benefits of teenage bodybuilding, as with any sport, is that with proper training and supervision bodybuilding can be a safe and effective way for teens to improve physical health and mental strength. There are safety issues inherent to any sport; however, adult participation and athlete education go a long way in minimizing 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.