Is it ok to work out and get buffed up if you're not 17 yet?

Question

My little brother is 16 and a half yrs old, he's 6'1 and broad shouldered but REALLY skinny (140-145 lbs). He wants to get 'buff' but is it safe for him to try and achieve that just yet cuz I've heard it can like stunt you're growth or something.

Also, what kind of work out and diet would you suggest?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

there is absolutely no evidence that weightlifting can stunt your growth. tell him to go ahead! the younger he starts, the better. some negative nancy will claim that it does stunt growth, but there are not any scientific studies demonstrating that.

a good workout will center around heavy, compound lifts that use a lot of muscle groups, including: deep squats, deadlifts, bench presses, shoulder presses, power cleans, dips, and chinups. the FAQ below has a great starting workout in it.

Source(s):

Mark Rippetoe - Starting Strength (2nd edition)
http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/F…

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Thanks!

Answer 2

totally safe and healthy

Answer 3

At 6'1, I don't think it would really matter if his growth was stunted. Regardless, I've been lifting weights since I was around 12, and I am average male height. You might want to warn him that 'getting buff' takes more than a single day of lifting.

Answer 4

At 6'1 I don't think he has to worry about stunting his growth, but that is actually a myth. At 140 if he wants go gain a lot of weight, then he actually shouldn't eat healthy. He should stay away from cardio and do only weight lifting.