Very good question. And also one we wish many parents and young people would consider, and frequently re-consider! We think however, that you, your parents, your coaches, and your physician are the ones to best answer that question.
In terms of your health, it is important to ensure you are not overtaxing your body. Given your age, we am guessing you are mid-puberty. This is a time of very rapid growth and bone development (did you know you get over HALF of your lifetime bone density during adolescence?). You are most susceptible to fracture during your peak linear (height) growth, which we’re guessing is right about now. Also your body composition changes quite a bit during this period with extra weight coming first, then muscle bulk, then muscle strength. It takes a lot of changes to go from a boy’s body to a man’s body!
So, first ensure adequate nutrition, with a healthy, balanced diet with adequate protein, fruits and vegetables, iron, and at least 1,200-1,500mg of calcium per day. You may want to consider a multi-vitamin and a calcium supplement. You also must be sure not to cause overuse injuries, including stress fractures, which are very common in athletes participating in your sports. Be sure to wear proper equipment and shoes, and replace your shoes frequently when they get worn down. Ensure proper rest intervals to allow micro-injuries to heal before they become a problem. Notify your coaches and see your doctor if you have any aches or pains that don’t resolve quickly with rest. If you are doing any weight training, be sure to emphasize low weights and frequent reps if you are mid-puberty, and wait to work on strength (heavier weights, lower numbers of reps) until you are finishing or finished with puberty. Finally, remember that eating disorders can and do occur in boys and that your age group is a peak time for them to occur. Make sure you go to all your required doctor’s visits so that they can track your growth and ensure you are gaining adequate weight.
The second issue we would urge you to consider is less directly related to your physical health, but more to your mental health. Adolescence is also a time of profound cognitive (intellectual) and emotional development. It is important to not be so overscheduled that you end up getting inadequate sleep, are cramming in your homework, and don’t have time for relaxation and fun time with your friends. These things – sleep, school, friends – are all very important, and if you find that your busy schedule does not allow time for these things, then perhaps you should consider making your schedule less busy.
Good luck with everything. It sometimes seems that there is so much pressure to perform that there isn’t time to enjoy life. Don’t forget to do that!
You're not alone. Take a look at a few of the questions related to this topic that other teens have asked us.
I play volleyball, basketball and softball. My knee hurts a lot after I get done playing any one of those sports. What could it be?
I am a 13-year-old male and every time I do a push up or bench press my right elbow cracks, but it does not hurt. Could this be harmful?
I get cramps when I’m running. Sometimes they are so bad that it hurts to breathe. What causes these cramps and what can I do?
For more information, check out these articles:
Conditioning Your Body Properly
Water - It's What's Good For You
The Effects of Anabolic Steroid Abuse
Posted 10-12-09
