Extra protein for teenage swimmer
2016/7/15 11:58:14
Question
My 14 year old son is in his second season swimming with our local club (he also swam with the local High School team this fall). He's put on a lot of muscle in the last year; his swimming pictures this year are markedly different than last year, although he remains very slender. His body building/cross country running cousin recommended that he start drinking a protein supplement after his workouts. When I suggested this to my husband, my husband felt like he shouldn't need anything else if he's consuming a balanced diet. I do try to feed my son regularly, and well, but he also seems to be eating all the time! Would it help my son to take a protein supplement on a regular basis? Thanks for your help.
Answer
Susan--
I am in agreement with your husband. At 14, your son has a lot of growing to do in the next few years and a protein supplement isn't going to help anything at this point. His cousin shouldn't be taking one either, muscles develop fine without one and as a cross country runner, being slim is a better option. As for your son, as long as he is eating properly(balanced diet), he will develop fine. Large muscles tend to be a detriment to swimmers, being flexible is more important. He can develop his muscles adequately by starting a weight lifting program. The swimmers you see at the top colleges and the olympics got that way by training and lifting.
Hope this helps,
George
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