Besides playing sports, more and more teen guys are wanting to get abs like the ripped guys in Twilight (yeah, we know you’ve seen it) or getting arms like LeBron James by going to the gym or lifting weights. Before you start working out – whether you’re trying to gain muscle or lose weight – you need to be careful because your bodies are still growing. Check out this list before you start:

1. Before you start working out, you or your parents might want to make a doctors appointment for a check-up. Your bodies are still growing and your metabolisms are racing really fast – your doctor can make sure your plan is safe and help you figure out how to eat properly if you’re not already. If you’re heading to the gym to lose weight, it’s especially important to talk to a doctor before you start dieting.


2. Do your research! You can really hurt yourself in the gym if you don’t know what you’re doing. Don’t be shy to ask for help. Everybody was in your boat when they started out and if you want the best results you’ve got to man-up and ask for help. Before you start lifting weights, talk to your gym teacher, coach at your school or a trainer at the gym to learn how to safely use the equipment with proper form.
   
   There are also tons of books out there specifically for teenagers looking to work out. Be careful about advice you read on websites or in chat rooms – these people might not know what they’re talking about.


3. Remember the guys on TV, your favourite sports team and in magazines are pros and their photos are often Photo-shopped to make them look better. These guys have their own personal trainers and don’t have the same schedules you do – like going to school, chores around the house and a part-time job. So, cut yourself some slack and take it slow. ‘No pain, no gain’ is a recipe for an injury!


4. Thinking about taking a short cut with steroids? Think again. With a little time and effort, you can reach your goals in a healthy and natural way. The dangers totally outweigh any muscle gains you’ll make. Guys can grow breasts, get really bad acne and you can actually stunt your growth. Girls can get facial hair and even grow an Adam’s apple!


5. Keep it all in perspective. Sure a six-pack will get you attention at the beach but don’t get obsessed. Sometimes you have to ditch the gym and have a pizza with your friends.