It’s summer, and school is out. Kids are looking for things to do, and I’m very excited that many …. MANY … are thinking about their health and fitness.
I’ve been inundated the past couple weeks with teens (junior high and high school age) asking for advice on nutrition and supplements as they start P90X, Insanity, etc.
Let me take a moment and speak directly to you TEENS out there =
Exercise is a great thing. A GREAT THING! Eating healthy is a great thing. A GREAT THING! I applaud you for deciding to make it part of your summer. Hopefully it will be part of your entire life. I only wish I had thought about my health and what I was eating back when I was your age, instead of waiting until I was in my late 30’s.
HOWEVER……. the information and advice I provide on this site is for ADULTS. I target my recommendations to those who are 18 or over.
There are many differences between adult bodies and adolescent bodies …. hormone changes, growth spurts, metabolism changes, etc. I DO NOT recommend teens in junior high and high school to take my nutrition and supplement advice (which is intended for adults) and apply it to themselves.
I am not comfortable giving specific nutrition and supplement advice to teens, so don’t ask! Number 1, it’s a big liability issue for me and teambeachbody as a whole for underage kids to be following nutrition and supplement advice designed for adults. And number 2, your bodies are different, and you need to make different considerations.
So if you are under 18, what should you do? Simple! GET EXERCISE! If you want to use one of the Beachbody workout programs to do that, great! Beachbody workouts use primarily body weight and dumbbells, so the chance of injury is very small. They are a great option for people of all ages. But sit down with YOUR PARENTS and YOUR DOCTOR to discuss it first. Like it or not, you aren’t an adult and you need some guidance other than ripped dudes on the internet :-).
And what else should you do besides exercise? EAT HEALTHY! I don’t recommend a young, growing teen to follow the strict nutrition guidelines I have on my site. And Beachbody does not recommend that teens follow their strict nutrition guide suggestions (that’s why they require you to be 18 to have a teambeachbody account). You can learn what types of foods are healthy by looking through the guides and my website, but you need to sit down with YOUR PARENTS and YOUR DOCTOR to discuss an eating plan that meets your specific goals and your specific situation.
And when it comes to supplements, many are safe, but many are suggested for adults only. Again, I urge you to sit down with YOUR PARENTS and YOUR DOCTOR to discuss the supplements you are considering and get feedback on whether or not it’s a good idea for you. I’m not your parent. I’m not your doctor! I’m not going to tell you what to do!! Ask them!
And I know what some of you are about to say …. “But Coach Wayne, my parents don’t get it. They won’t buy healthy food or let me get supplements.” Might I suggest that you discuss things with them. Educate them, as well as yourself. Get PROFESSIONAL advice from YOUR DOCTOR with your parents in the room. Get a dialogue going. Appealing to Coach Wayne isn’t the answer LOL! I’m not your mom and dad. You have to ultimately submit to their authority, with respect, and discuss health and fitness with them. When you turn 18, you can choose how you workout, how you eat, and how you supplement. Until then, it’s ultimately mom and dad’s choice. I refuse to get in the middle of a parent / child power struggle!
So, do I say all this to discourage young people from exercising and eating healthy? OF COURSE NOT! I absolutely encourage it. But I want to warn all of you out there under 18 of the dangers of diving into a rigid workout, nutrition, and supplement plan that is designed for adults. Get with your parents. Get with your doctor. Make a reasonable plan that will help you get to your goals without jeopardizing your health.
And if you are bummed that I won’t tell you what to do right now while you are still a growing, changing teenager, have no fear. When you turn 18, let me know and I’ll gladly lay down the law and tell you exactly what to do LOL!
Need a coach?
My email: coachwayne@teamripped.com
IG: @wayne_wyatt
