Exercise and Fitness: Questions & Answers
Vital Health Zone is proud to announce Gina Jackson, who is our resident exercise and fitness expert and who is available to answer all your questions about exercising and fitness. Gina has a private practice and is available for consultation.
Gina answers all your exercise and fitness questions below:
Q: I'm a 16 year old boy who is 5'8 and I weight 150lbs.
I've been working out for about 6 months now and I've been using whey protein and BCAA's and other amino acids as supplements. I was wondering if there are any other supplements which are 'safe' for use at my age available? I've been told not to use creatine until I am 18, and from what I've read this is good advice.
Also what is the best way to cut belly fat and fat in general? I have finished bulking and am preparing to cut fat.
Thank you for you help.
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A: Amino acid supplements are used by many athletes, body builders and gym advocates as a convenient and quick way to increase muscle mass which helps with weight loss. When the body is composed with a higher percentage of protein, it helps the body burn fat more efficiently. Amino acid supplements should be used in conjunction with a tailored diet and exercise plan, with a qualified fitness trainer who will advise both resistance (weight) training and cardiovascular exercises, in order to maximise fat loss, increase cardiovascular health and increase fitness.
You have rightly been advised to avoid creatine until you are at least 18 because your body is still undergoing growth and development and will continue to do so until you are at least 21. It is actually illegal to sell creatine to anyone under 18 in the USA for this reason.
It may not be advisable to take any type of protein supplement at all until you are over 18 years old and focus only on an appropriate exercise plan and proper diet that includes protein at every meal, because your body is still developing and growing and you should be getting adequate protein in your diet from the foods you eat.
Consult the school fitness instructor to give you more information about a diet and exercise plan tailored to your needs.
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