Young people at the gym - Photo: Q. DINH
Does going to the gym cause a "larger upper body, smaller lower body" phenomenon, reducing physiological function, especially during puberty? This is just a rumor; scientifically , this phenomenon does not exist.
Exercising at the gym correctly is very good.
We know that during puberty, children's bodies undergo rapid growth in height, weight, bones, and muscles. Except for overexertion or lifting weights that are too heavy for their age, gym workouts can stimulate the production of growth hormones, which can help children increase their height.
Specifically, growth hormone only stimulates bone growth during puberty; after puberty, bone growth stops, and gym workouts will no longer be effective in increasing height. Therefore, to maximize height, it's best to start exercising during puberty for optimal results.
Going to the gym can help increase muscle mass, but it has no effect on the structure of the penis.
The structure of the penis is composed of connective tissue, erectile tissue, blood vessels, and nerve tissue, with absolutely no muscle tissue whatsoever. These tissues are covered by groups of muscle tissue with strong, elastic connective properties.
During puberty, the penis grows in both length and width under the influence of the hormone testosterone. Therefore, a boy going to the gym during puberty will certainly not cause penile shrinkage.
The reason some teenage boys who go to the gym may feel their penis is shrinking is primarily due to changes in their body proportions.
When boys exercise, their muscle mass increases, especially in the legs, thighs, and buttocks. This can make the penis appear smaller than before. However, this is only a visual perception; the actual penis size does not change.
Beware of side effects of supplements.
In some cases, a boy's penis may actually shrink as a side effect of medication.
Some muscle-building drugs, such as anabolic steroids—a type of drug often advertised in some gyms—can cause side effects such as osteoporosis and testicular atrophy.
Testicular atrophy can lead to decreased testosterone, which in turn affects penis size. Therefore, parents should not give their children any medication while they are at the gym.
Improper gym training can easily lead to injuries. Parents need to help their children choose a reputable gym and experienced trainers to help them select age-appropriate exercises.
You should choose exercises that focus on large muscle groups, such as the thighs, shoulders, arms, back, and hips. These exercises will help increase strength and endurance while reducing the risk of injury.
Train properly. It's best to train under the guidance of a coach; proper training will help achieve optimal results and minimize the risk of injury.
Eat a balanced diet. A nutritious diet will help your body develop healthily and boost your immune system.
Get adequate rest. Proper rest will help the body recover and grow.
Boys going through puberty should be encouraged to exercise at the gym in a scientific and reasonable way to improve their mental and physical health.
Cases where you shouldn't go to the gym
Some children with the following congenital conditions or underlying health issues should not go to the gym:
Cardiovascular disease: Gym workouts can put strain on the cardiovascular system, so people with cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, high blood pressure, or arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects, should not go to the gym.
Respiratory conditions: Gym workouts can cause shortness of breath, so people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or interstitial lung disease should avoid going to the gym.
Musculoskeletal conditions: Gym workouts can put stress on bones and joints, so people with musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or injuries, should also avoid going to the gym.
It's best to have your child undergo a general health checkup before deciding whether or not they should start going to the gym.
Going to the gym is always a popular choice among young people for maintaining their health - Photo: Q. DINH
Should teenage girls go to the gym?
When teenage daughters ask to go to the gym, some parents worry that teenagers are still growing taller, and that gym workouts will make them shorter. They also worry that having bulging muscles like a bodybuilder will make their daughters lose their femininity. So what should parents do in response to their daughters' requests?
Helps improve endurance
First, we need to understand what gym training is. Gym is an abbreviation of the Greek word "gymnastic," meaning "gym," and is a form of indoor exercise using equipment and tools available at gyms.
Gym workouts can help increase strength, endurance, build muscle, and improve physique. Gym workouts can be divided into many different types, depending on each person's training goals.
Scientifically speaking, puberty is a crucial developmental stage for the body, especially in terms of height growth. During this period, growth hormone (GH) and thyroid hormones (T3, T4) are produced in greater quantities, stimulating the growth of bones, cartilage, and muscles.
Gym workouts during puberty can help stimulate the production of these hormones, thereby promoting height growth. Specifically, there are many types of gym exercises such as those for the musculoskeletal system (squats, deadlifts), exercises for a balanced physique and good health (fitness), pull-ups, parallel bars, aerobics, yoga, etc. All of these affect the musculoskeletal system, helping to strengthen and improve muscle flexibility, thereby creating conditions for bone growth.
Why doesn't going to the gym make you shorter?
A person's height is determined by many factors including genetics, nutrition, and hormones... Gym workouts do not affect any of these factors. On the contrary, gym workouts can help increase muscle strength and endurance.
Gym workouts also help improve blood circulation, providing more oxygen and nutrients to cells, thereby helping bones develop healthier and more fully.
This can help the body reach its maximum height potential without causing spinal curvature. Gym workouts do not shorten bones or cartilage, or reduce a person's natural height.
Choose exercises that are appropriate for her age and physical condition. Since she is a girl, parents should proactively look for gyms with female trainers and good quality facilities, which will be more beneficial for their child.
Practice proper technique to avoid injury. Start training at a low intensity and gradually increase it over time. Combine training with a proper diet and adequate rest.
If done correctly, gym workouts for teenage girls can help increase height, develop a more feminine and slender body shape, prevent obesity, and improve overall health, giving them good health and a positive attitude in all activities, especially in their studies.
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