Is it normal for a 16-year-old lifter to see only slight changes after a year?
So, my kiddo just hit the one-year mark of lifting, and I'm honestly a little concerned about their progress. They've been super dedicated, going to the gym four times a week, focusing on a mix of strength and hypertrophy, but the progress photos are giving me a lot of mixed feelings. I mean, I've seen a few muscle gains, but nothing too dramatic, you know? In their last weigh-in, they only went from 120 to 125 pounds, and their squat went from 95 to 115 pounds for 5 reps. That's like 20 pounds in a year, which isn't terrible, but I can't shake this feeling that maybe it should be more at their age.
I really think they enjoy it as a stress relief, especially with school and everything else going on. It's been great for their mental health, but I just wonder if I should be encouraging them to change things up. Like, should they be trying new programs, maybe throwing in some more cardio or adjusting their nutrition? I see these amazing transformations on here, and it's hard not to compare. Should I just be happy they're sticking with it and feeling good?
Also, I know lifting can be such a slow process, especially at the beginning, but it just feels like everyone else is crushing it while my kid is still finding their footing. I've been lifting for a while now, but I remember how frustrating it was when I felt like I wasn't making enough progress. Anyone else been in a similar boat with their teen lifters? What helped you keep them motivated and on track? Any advice would be super appreciated