Are you starting your journey? It is the best thing you can do for your body and mind. Now, let’s talk about what's the right age to start bodybuilding.
And yes, we will also look at how a vegetarian diet fits in your routine. Most of us in India are veggie lovers.
Bodybuilding Benefits: Can You Start at a Young Age?
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Yes, you can start working on your fitness as early as possible including 14 or 15 years old. But bodybuilding including heavy weight lifting and building big muscles should be done carefully under guidance.
Mostly at this age, bones will be still growing. So instead of lifting heavy, you may focus on:
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Bodyweight training that includes push-ups, squats and pull-ups.
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Lighting weights with more repetitions
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Stretching and maintaining a good posture
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Most importantly, Learning the correct form
Explore now: Nakpro Gen-z teen protein powder
Once you are around 17–18 years, your body is more mature. That’s when serious strength training and muscle-building programs can start.
Bodybuilding Benefits for Teens
The ideal time would be between 17 and 25. Especially during that age, your body produces more testosterone, which helps in building muscle and strength. You can recover faster and gain muscle more easily in this phase.
Also, this is the time when your energy is high, and you can build good habits for life like eating clean, sleeping well, and staying consistent.
We all know, bodybuilding is not just about lifting weights. It’s also about eating right, resting, and being patient.
Bodybuilding Vegetarian Diets: Are They Good for You?
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Yes, many top Indian bodybuilders are vegetarians. Also, a well-planned veg diet can give you everything your body needs, including protein, carbs, fats, and fiber.
Vegetarian diets are beneficial for you!
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Most of the vegetarian food are easy to digest
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Some of the plant based foods are rich in fiber and supports gut health
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Most of the fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants.
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Fewer chances of lifestyle diseases
Also read: Can you build muscles with vegetarian diet?
You just need to focus on plant-based protein sources like:
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Paneer
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Tofu
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Moong dal, chana, rajma
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Curd
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Soya chunks
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Quinoa
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Nuts and seeds
Bodybuilding Benefits: How Important is Protein and Amino Acids
Protein is made up of tiny building blocks called amino acids. These amino acids help repair your muscles after a workout and build new muscle tissues.
There are 9 essential amino acids that your body can’t make which is why you need to get them from food.
Most of the plant foods may not fulfil the overall requirement of amino acids, That’s why vegetarians need to combine foods smartly.
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Eating dal and rice together will balance the protein and amino acids
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You may try mixing chana with roti
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Add curd or paneer with your lunch
This gives you a complete set of amino acids. You can also try plant-based protein powders if needed. Ask a trainer or nutritionist before starting supplements.
Bodybuilding Benefits: Don’t Wait Too Long to begin
Postponing workouts is like postponing success. So, if procrastination bothers you, know that starting soo can be more beneficial
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You build strength gradually
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You avoid injuries in the future
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Your metabolism stays strong
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You form healthy habits for life
Bodybuilding mistakes: Don't Ignore Recovery and Rest
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Bodybuilding is not just about gym and workouts. Your muscles grow when you rest.
Also read: Muscle building mistakes to avoid
Recovery is equally important for building stronger muscles. Without proper rest, your body might take a longer time to adapt to the workout schedule. Here are the top tips:
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Never miss to sleep 7 to 8 hours daily
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Don’t train the same muscle group every day
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Drink water and stay hydrated
Take rest days seriously without any guilt!
