Im not argueing the point that one should work their full body istead of just their upper or lower body, I just want to understand why. I only have access to upper body stuff, so I cant really work my legs, and its hard to get motivated to do back and ab stuff.

Right now I have a easy schedule
day1-Benchpress,militarypress,dumbellflys
day2-rest
day3-Bicep curls,tricep lift behind your head things
day4-rest
day5-Benchpress,militarypress,dumbellflys
Ect...
I have noticed definate improvement in my muscle tone and my strength. Does anyone think that just doing these excercises isn't a good idea? If so, what else should I incorporate into my routine. Keep in mind that im 14 and don't have access to a gym. I have a Bench and some adjustable dumbells. Thx

Your body likes balance. But also - back and legs are the largest muscles in your body = much more growth hormone release = bigger gains everywhere. as far as motivation - just remember that half the time people see your back before the front of you. Does your bench posts not extend to do squats? also you could do dumbell squats. Sprints are also great for building mass as well as taking care of cardio.

H8CC

U could get a dipping belt (~$30) and use that for donkey calf raises, and squats between two boxes. Also, one leg calf raises, step ups,lunges,squats w/ dumbells/barbell, seated calf raise w/ barbell(just some examples).

Look into wrist straps w/ hooks, and the hip squat weight belt by ironmind(u would need a e-z curl barbell for better balance), these will give u a better freeweight leg workout and set u back ~$100. Bands will give u lots of options, too.HTH

you really should work your legs and back as well many times in the gym i will see a guy who has certain areas of his body more muscular or developed then other parts. Its always better to achieve some type of balance in my opinion.

It's so common for men to work just their upper body or just the parts they can see,... w/o realizing what they really look like.

One source of motivation might be how unbalanced your body will look by ignoring your legs, and how funny it looks to see a barrel chest with a flat back, flat butt, and no legs.

Besides, as mentioned, your legs are very effective at helping you achieve greater mass all over like no other body part can when isolated. It's not wise to split your routine like this and ignore your lower body and half of your upper body! Besides looking totally imbalanced and cheating yourself, you're also setting yourself up for injuries.

So you don't look funny ;-D

At 14, you should probably not be doing a great deal of heavy weight work anyway. For lower body, do unresisted, plyometric exercises like squats and lunges, calf raises. And get involved in an after school sport that involves running, etc.

For your back .. if you're working your chest (push), then you should work your're back (pull) to avoid injury.

Hehe, thx for the replys. I think im gonna throw in some dumbell squats, calf raises, and some sprints.

Hey if your into school sports involving a lot of leg work u would fare better off focusing on a variety of leg workouts. Being too top heavy will slow u down.

Hooked gloves/wriststraps will give u a longer and/or heavier leg workout(if u have a weak grip). IMO, try too stay below 80% of your max if u are still growing.HTH

Yea, I have heard about heavy lifting stunting your growth but because its so much pressure on your joints and stuff. I probably keep it even lower than 80%. I can bench 110 max but I do 60, so ya. thx for the advice though

does that mean im screwed because im 15 and bench 180lbs ?

-James

i just use 10lb dumbbells and do push ups and situps. i usually do it until all my forearm muscle is stiff and my abs tight. Can it still be possible for it to stunt my growth ? is there any proven fact that weight lifting stunts your growth ? when im at school i see amost of thes kids that weight train are under 5'5.