Introduction to Fitness Culture
Fitness studio jargon like "ripped", "shredded", "jacked", and "swole" has long been exchanged between men in the gym, and now it’s also common among teenagers. TikTok videos show boys as young as 13 and 14 in school toilets, flexing their vein-bulging biceps and stripping out of their school uniforms. The pursuit of a chiseled physique has become a serious business, even for those as young as 13, with social media posts using hashtags like #shreddedphysique being viewed over four billion times.
The Desire for a Chiseled Physique
For many, achieving this look might mean making a few changes to their routine, such as drinking a protein shake or working out a few times a week. However, for others, it can involve a strict regimen of going to the gym, often multiple times a week, and learning how to "bulk and cut". The bulk and cut cycle involves eating hundreds of calories more than their recommended daily intake to grow larger, and then later reducing calorie intake to lose fat for a slimmer, more defined look. This can be consuming and involves a lot of calorie counting, work, and commitment.
The Risks of Extreme Fitness Regimens
Some athletes warn that this can be harmful, influencing hormone health, growth, and development, and potentially leading to eating disorders such as muscle dysmorphia – the idea that your body is smaller and less muscular than it actually is. Three teenagers, all of whom share a love for the gym, spoke about their experiences with fitness and the pressure to achieve a certain physique.
The 14-Year-Old Bodybuilder
George Holland started going to the gym at the age of 11 and has never looked back. He is currently in a "bulking" phase, consuming around 4,100 calories a day, and will soon start cutting, reducing his calorie intake to 2,200 a day. George eats six meals a day, goes to school, trains hard, and posts his progress on TikTok and Instagram for his 140,000 followers. He believes that going to the gym is good for his mental health, general fitness, and gives him discipline.
Different Approaches to Fitness
George Hazard, 17, started training at home during the lockdown and now goes to the gym five or six nights a week. He believes that social media can be a "knowledge fountain" for optimal muscle growth, but it’s essential to differentiate between well-tested, science-based recommendations and less informed suggestions. Nat Walney, 18, tried "dirty bulking" at the age of 13 and 16, eating large amounts of food to grow, but it was not sustainable. He now follows a raw food diet, consisting of eggs, raw milk, and raw meat, and fasts for 20 hours a day to improve his mental clarity.
The Dangers of Extreme Diets
Experts warn that restrictive eating regimes can be harmful, especially for teenagers who need a full and nutritious diet to fuel their growth. Lucy Upton, a pediatric dietitian, recommends taking a closer look at the person posting content online, considering whether they come from a personal experience or a clinical background, and whether their advice applies to their own situation. Sam Grady-Graham, a GB boxing trainer, advises against going to extremes with food and training, recommending a balanced, holistic diet and gradual progression in intensity.
Conclusion
The desire to be fit and healthy is commendable, but the growing trend of teenagers pushing themselves to extremes is a concern. While some may achieve their desired physique, others may be putting their health at risk. It’s essential to prioritize a balanced and sustainable approach to fitness, focusing on overall well-being rather than just physical appearance. By being mindful of the information available online and seeking advice from credible sources, teenagers can make informed decisions about their fitness journey and avoid the potential dangers of extreme regimens.
