How Far Can I Go Without Damaging My Growth?

by Rajiv
(Netherlands)

Hi, I'm 16 years old. I weigh 145 pounds and am 5'11. I've been training at a gym regularly since I was 14 and I'm pretty used to drinking protein shakes and having a high protein diet. I was just wondering, what other types of supplements can I take? I'm pretty matured compared to my peers, and I don't think I can grow any taller anymore. Should I be able to take creatine, NO supplements, BCAA, and other types of supplements frequently used for building muscle? Can I use N.O Xplode? I heard that some supplements are strictly forbidden for people under the age of 18 and other supplements don't even mention age. I'm practically avoiding Growth Hormone, Testosterone, and Anabolic formulas for now...

Thanks in advance.

My take:16 is a tough age to be! Here's where I'll tell you to do as I say, not as I did.

At a younger age than you, I began taking weight gain supplements and aminos. And you know what? Nothing happened? I was a classic hardgainer: Very lean and muscular, strong as a bull, but very skinny.

It wasn't until my mid-twenties when I began putting on appreciable weight. I think most guys experience something similar, especially us guys on the thin side.

Save your money and get as strong as you can totally naturally. Stick to compound movements like bench presses, squats, overhead presses, and deadlifts. You may hear some people say that you shouldn't weight train until you're 18 or older. I'm not sure about that: Everybody is different.

I know guys who had no negative experiences from lifting at a young age; I know guys who swear off lifting for anyone younger than 21!

Best bet: Talk to your doctor. Tell him or her what your goals are. Your doctor can review and/or modify any system you might choose.

On the topic of supplements: I don't see any harm in taking protein powders, amino acids, or creatine. Lots of studies have been done; none show any harmful effects for young men such as yourself. However, the jury is out on the efficacy of such supplements.

In short, you may be spending money yet getting no appreciable benefits from doing so.

As with nearly anything in life, set goals, monitor progress, and make adjustments.

Hope this helps!