
Teen Fitness, a Note to Parents
- 10 Feb, 2025
All my blogs till now have been directed at teens, but I’m doing something different today. This is a blog for parents, so if you’re a teen, go ahead and pass the phone to your parents or copy paste this in your family WhatsApp group.
Hey there,
Before we even begin—thank you. Thank you for being open to your child lifting and for allowing them to explore fitness in the first place. It might not seem like a big deal, but that decision already puts them on a better path. I’ve spoken to four professionals, trainers, and doctors alike, and all of them agree: as long as it’s done properly, with the right mindset and precautions, your teen will only benefit from it. Physically, mentally, and even emotionally.
But your guidance matters more than you might think. Even if you’re not in the gym with them, just being aware of what they’re doing can make a huge difference. Make sure they’re not lifting too heavy just to impress someone, and that they’ve learned the right form. If your child is younger, basic supervision can go a long way in preventing injuries. And if you ever have time, maybe try hitting the gym with them once in a while, not to coach or correct, just to be there. That kind of support can really help.
Let’s talk food for a second. No need for complex meal plans or calorie charts. A regular, home-cooked diet with decent protein is more than enough. Eggs, lentils, chicken, cottage cheese (paneer), fruits, nuts, it’s all good. Just try to cut down on constant junk or packaged snacks. That’s it. Balanced meals will fuel their workouts without needing anything fancy.
Now, if your teen starts asking about things like protein powders or fortified shakes, don’t panic. These aren’t necessarily bad, but they’re not always needed either. If they’re seriously considering adding supplements, please speak to a qualified dietician first. That way, you’ll know it’s being done safely and correctly.
So that’s it parents, those are the ways that you can ensure your child sees progress in a way that’s safe and age-appropriate. Now let them go out there and crush it!