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Julia A.
Julia A. Sendmail

What's the opinion on teenage athletes?

asked 10 months ago | Report

I am a teenager who loves to run, swim and compete in triathlons, and other races, but I wonder whether people think it's good to be getting intensely into exercise at a young age? I know that I feel good when I exercise, but then there's also the dilemma of if it stunts growth, prevents hormones being produced, etc. Opinions?

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7 answers

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  • Morey B.
    Morey B. Sendmail

    go for it. Every single negative opinion about what teenagers shouldn't do with respect to training has been debunked. Don't worry about the old wives tales, find your passion and be the best you can be.

    answered 10 months ago |Report

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  • Erik K.
    Erik K. Sendmail

    I'm with Morey. Younger than teenagers, I think it makes sense to limit some of the more focused stuff like the endurance activities you're doing or heavy weight lifting. But once you're a teenager, if you enjoy it than have fun. It's certainly better than sitting on the sofa eating junk food and texting or playing video games.

    answered 10 months ago |Report

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  • Mark S.
    Mark S. Sendmail

    DO IT! And encourage your friends to get into it all too...there are so many worse things you could be doing, I simply wish I was more competitive when I was your age, I'd not be FIGHTING to get BACK into shape now...

    answered 10 months ago |Report

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  • Joe H.
    Joe H. Sendmail

    go for it. train smart, get proper nutrition and listen to your body. I did a lot of sports in high school and trained hard but am still over 6 feet and had plenty of hormones ;)

    answered 10 months ago |Report

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  • Jen B.
    Jen B. Sendmail

    Good for you!
    Read "Born to Run" - there are stories about the Tarahumara culture in Mexico sending their elementary school aged kids out on a 4-mile running game, just as a quick diversion! Kids nowadays do not get enough exercise! You are on a healthy track - you will be grateful for the rest of your life! Enjoy!

    answered 10 months ago |Report

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  • Justyn R.
    Justyn R. Sendmail

    I'd say go for it. I dno't know about every single negative opinion being debunked. they've shown that girls who are ridiculously active taking longer to go through puberty, and I do agree with kids not going too heavy with weights until a little later, but everything you're doing is body weight so go crazy.

    answered 10 months ago |Report

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  • Marsi K.
    Marsi K. Sendmail

    Go for it! None of it ever stunted my growth! (I stopped growing at 5'11" @@) Just listen to your body. I loved competing as a teen. Wish I had those days back sometimes! ;-)

    answered 10 months ago |Report

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