At What Age Should One Start Going to the Gym?   by Paul J

in Health / Fitness    (submitted 2011-01-22)

This is a very common question amongst many people. Although it's always healthy to exercise no matter what age, a person under developed should not be lifting extremely heavy weights. Doing this could result in stunted growth, under matured muscles, and chronic spasms. So, the big question pops up again. At what age should one start going to the gym and how does one know?

Matured, how do you Know?
Everyone matures at a difference age, so it's hard to tell when one is fully matured. The fact is that women mature faster than men. This does not mean women should start working out earlier than men. The common age for someone to exercise on a regular basis is fifteen. The common age for weight lifting is usually nineteen. If one is still growing every few months, they should not attempt to try heavy weight training. This could be very fatal to their health. A doctor can also tell one if someone is fully matured and is recommended to lift weights. The safest way to know is to consult with a doctor about maturity.

The Doctor Said What?
A doctor may or may not recommend heavy weight lifting, regardless whether one is matured or not. Depending on the physical structure of a person determines this result. If the person is well built and already has physical strength from genetics they are usually recommended for heavy weight lifting. If one is more slender and has a weaker build the doctor may recommend the person to start with other exercises first. This is just so someone does not hurt themselves trying to do more than their body can handle.

Overall is relies heavily on a person's physical structure and how fast they've matured. Everyone who is thinking on heavy weight lifting should consult with their doctor first before trying it. It will save them a lot of time and trouble.

About the Author

Paul is an online journalist and an amateur body builder. He lives in Denver, CO with his dogs. Paul recommends personal trainer Denver for anyone looking to get in shape this year.