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Trigger Teen Triumph
Body by Jake's Secrets to Building Teenage Minds and Muscle
By Kendeyl Johansen
The book's four-week workout routine can be done in a bedroom or basement without expensive equipment, and there's more to Steinfeld's work-outs than building muscle. "Teens start to realize they can set and meet goals – they think if I can do these push-ups, I can study and pass my science test, or if I can do these sit-ups, I can build a strong body and make the team or ask a girl out," he says. "The relationship between building muscle, confidence and self-esteem is giving kids the opportunity to believe in themselves."
Steinfeld offers the following tips for parents eager to help their sons exercise both mind and muscle:
- Encourage kids of all ages to exercise. When Steinfeld works out at home he blasts fun music and when any, or all, of his four kids peek into the gym he tells them, "Come on in, but you have to do something active while you're in here."
- Eat (Mostly) the Right Stuff. Help your son choose healthy foods, but realize most young boys will balk at strict diets. "Talk to your son about good versus bad foods and let him take one day a week and eat what he wants," he advises. Steinfeld admits to eating Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and ice cream on Saturdays. "I eat healthy all week but on Thursdays I'm looking forward to Saturdays, and this helps me eat right the rest of the week," he says.
- Turn off the TV. "Every teenage boy has the potential to achieve great success, and not just at Nintendo," Steinfeld says. Discover what your son is good at and help him achieve goals that make him proud.
- Find a True Believer. A life coach and confidante is essential to achieving goals. It can be Mom, Dad or a friend. "My friends laughed at my goal of becoming Mr. Amerca and said, 'Yeah, like that'll happen.' But my grandma bought into my dream, believed I'd reach this goal and cheered me on." Steinfeld encourages finding not a "yes" person, but someone that really believes in your son and helps him sustain the courage and confidence to change.
