The best workout plan is one created around your goals, diet plan, age, and free time allowed.

It may seem difficult to develop your own workout routine, but you can look for tips on building your own workout plan to make things easy and fun.

So, I know you’re big on facts… Here are seven great reasons why teens should work out according to the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Increased strength 

Improved long-term health 

Reduced body fat – eliminate obesity and get 6-pack abs 

Increased cardiovascular fitness 

Increased bone strength 

Elevated cholesterol levels Improved mood 

I personally agree with all the above reasons. It’s critical to take pride in developing a healthy physical and mental routine. Below are some key factors to keep in mind when thinking about building a workout plan that works best for YOU.

Here we Go!! 

IT’S A BUSY WORLD 

Whether you like it or not, there will be times you will have other commitments that will keep you from going to the gym. Good thing you don’t have to spend hours every day in the gym to get a great pump!

Develop a workout plan simple enough that you can target main muscle groups in a short period of time. Your routine type will be dependent on the time you can spend working out. It’s important to stay consistent and dedicated to the plan you choose.  

WARM/COOL DOWN ROUTINE 

Warming up before the workout and cooling down afterward are important steps in your workout plan. So really focus during this portion, because this could be the difference between obtaining an injury or not. At the end of the day, try your best to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep at night. This is a very important step because muscles need time to repair. 

TRAIN MULTIPLE MUSCLE GROUPS: Remember to give all your muscle groups the attention they deserve. Please don’t go to the gym and just work on your chest and biceps.

Develop a plan that will keep all your muscles toned. Do exercises that can work multiple muscle groups, like pull-ups, push-ups, squats, burpees “fun stuff,” etc. For muscles that need more attention, you can always add more sets. Don’t forget to take into consideration your previous injuries. Choose exercises that will not aggravate them. If any contraindications arise, consult with a caregiver, a doctor, a physical therapist or certified trainer.  

TAKE YOUR TIME: You don’t have to engage in an intense workout early on.

If you force yourself to an intense workout, your motivation will drop tremendously, and you’ll find yourself making excuses to keep from working out. Building a workout plan is all about working at your own pace. Start by setting the number of reps you will perform and gradually try to increase them. Keep in mind, make realistic goals and don’t expect to grow your bench press 50 pounds in a week. Muscle development takes time! 

BEACH BODY 

When you dig into it more, in the first three to four months of training the increase in strength is mostly the result of neurological adaptions. After three to four months of training, the smaller strength gains tend to be more from muscle hypertrophy. So just keep in mind if your gain slows down, it could be a good thing.

So, alternate your workout plan accordingly.  

STAY CREATIVE: Try to switch up exercises to avoid boredom.

Personally, I’ve been known to do long distance running one day, interval training another, and do a cross fit workout all in the same week. Regardless if it is weightlifting or cardio activities, make sure to keep your body guessing.  

A few more quick thoughts… 

Proper Nutrition is vital both to gain muscle, lose fat and work towards the best workout plan. Please take the time to research what you’re consuming. Just a word of warning, most people who *think* they have good nutrition, really have horrible nutrition so PLEASE do some research. 

Supplements can be necessary in some cases, but they aren’t always the right choice. You hear lots of people talking up some hot new supplement, don’t believe it. As a teen, you need good basic nutrition – not supplements. Please research any supplements you’re considering. Some of them can even stunt your growth so be careful and mindful of them! 

Hopefully, these tips are helpful to your readers. I enjoy inspiring you to be the best you can be and I encourage you to reach out with any questions on material covered.

Feel free to give a shout and remember Tomorrow is YOURS to Create!