Rec and Sports

Teenagers are increasingly taking up bodybuilding. Building muscle and generally getting into better shape are admirable goals; done properly, the teen years can be one of the best times to begin bodybuilding. Teenagers may be nearly full grown, but beneath the surface there is still a lot of growth and development happening, meaning teens have different requirements for body building regimens than adults. The most important factors are the weights used, nutrition and rest.

One thing about teenaged body builders is that they have far more energy than an adult. This can be an asset and a liability, since a teen is more likely to work the same muscle group for a lot longer than they should.

While more may be better with a lot of things, weight training is not one of them. It’s much better to use a varied workout routine which works every muscle group equally. After a muscle reaches a specific point, you won’t be doing any more good and could be doing harm by continuing.

Weights should be started slowly and advanced, in other words do not grab the heaviest weight in the room and go to town on it. Start with light to moderate weight and work your way up.

Nutrition is something which is all too often forgotten by bodybuilders, especially teenage bodybuilders who instead go for supplements. Nutritional supplements are certainly a helpful addition to a good diet, but getting the protein and fiber you need from your diet is far more important. What happens when you lift weights is that you tear your muscles; as they heal from this controlled damage, they build. This takes good nutrition.

Another often-overlooked aspect of nutrition is water. Your body is comprised of 60% plus, and major organs depend on water to receive nutrients. This includes your muscles.

The recommended daily intake of 64 oz of water should be taken as a starting point, not a goal. When you’re actively weight training you’ll need far more water than this to maintain the health of your joints and organs; and your training will yield better results as well.

Next to water, this is the most overlooked aspect of training, especially in teens who feel indestructible. When you sleep the growth hormone, IGF-1 and testosterone are released. These are both necessary to the repair and growth of your muscles. That is what sleep was designed for, reparation of the body.

It is not enough to hit the gym hard every day to build muscles. You need a balanced approach for steady growth. This can hard to do for a generation who is used to getting what they want right now, but for long term success and to prevent injury this is the only way.

Your teenage years offer a great opportunity to start weight training ” and if you play competitive sports, building your strength will be a valuable asset in this pursuit. By following the tips in this article, you can get the maximum results from your weight training regimen and build muscle safely.

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Jaco is a small, vibrant town in Costa Rica and a very popular place for students wanting some fun during spring break or summer vacation. But, not just students. Today, tourists from around the world visit Jaco year-round, though December to May are considered “high season” (the most people, the highest accommodation costs). Whatever month you want to visit, the Jaco area is the place to go for sun, great beaches and activities.

Jaco has long been popular because of its fun, casual and relaxed atmosphere, and many friendly people. More and more tourists from around the world have already learned of this fantastic place and travel to Jaco for its nearby tranquil, beautiful clean beaches and many things to do. And, it is easy to reach by car or comfortable, cheap, ubiquitous buses.

Only about half a dozen years ago, Jaco was still pretty laid back and quaint. Not so much anymore. With tourists came more bars, restaurants, and shopping centers. They were followed by developers: more hotels, more resorts, and now towering high rises. But, the beaches remain—and they are still spectacular.

College kids have long traveled to Jaco because of its “party beach” and cheap accommodations. There is great surfing and lots of bars and discos. They are joined by people of every age and background who come here to enjoy the many things to do and see. Today, there are many restaurants, taverns, tourist traps, and nightclubs to choose from. Whatever your budget, from luxury to basic (think hostels without hot water) there’s a place for you—-not to mention a tourist souvenir shop.

Though Jaco Beach (directly in front of Jaco) has been one of the most popular beaches for many, many years, nearby beaches (literally just a couple of miles/kilometers away), are much better. You’ll find far fewer people and some of the most ecologically pure water on the planet which have been awarded Blue Flag certifications for cleanliness. If you visit Jaco, I strongly recommend spectacular Hermosa Beach. It is only a couple of miles from Jaco. Though it is not recommended for swimming (due to its currents) it is pristine with some of the best surfing on the planet. Indeed, this July it will host professional surfers from more than 35 countries who are going to take part in world surfing championships (and party at night in Jaco).

There are innumerable things to do during your vacation. Go horseback riding along a lovely beach or visit the nearby river with its huge, famous crocodiles. Zipline through the canopy or try sea kayaking or sailing. Visit Arenal Volcano and sit in the hot springs watching the eruptions. Take a real Swiss train to a real Swiss hotel in the mountains of Costa Rica! Learn to surf or take a Spanish class (some language schools offer surfing as well!). Zipline high in the forests or take a balloon ride over the jungles. There are dozens of different activities close-at-hand where youll have fun or find a romantic place.

And, if you like to fish (or want a new experience), take a day charter from Jaco. The waters are often teeming with wonderful fish, from 400 pound marlin to sailfish, schools of tuna, and dozens of other species. Costa Rica offers some of the worlds great off-shore fishing and remember: the worst day of fishing is better than the best day of working.

Though it is easy to reach by air, Costa Rica remains to be discovered. Columbus was the first to find it and, indeed, gave it its name “Rich Coast.” It remains a spectacular haven with one-fifth of every species of plant and animal on the planet residing together in a tiny little country. So, don’t limit yourself to the beaches of Jaco. There’s lots more waiting.

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