14-year-old bodybuilder from Britain takes third place at the championship: how he trains.

14-year-old bodybuilder, devoted to the gym

According to The Sun: 14-year-old bodybuilder George Holland admits that he is 'addicted' to training, as he has been following strict diets and routines for several years. In his debut competition last summer, just three weeks after his birthday, George became the youngest participant, turning down cake during preparations.

In May, George took third place at the NABBA National Bodybuilding Championship, despite negative comments about it being potentially harmful to his health at such a young age. His mother Vicki, 39, noted her son's determination before the competition, stating that when he stepped on stage, 'he was just in his element.' The boy started practicing at the age of 11, initially interested in boxing, but later switched to bodybuilding.

Vicki noted that George began training at a leisure center since at his age, he could not visit a regular gym. Now he has over 60,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, where he shares his training journey. The Holland family's life revolves around bodybuilding: morning TV programs, attending local competitions on weekends.

“I saw how he aspired to be on stage,” Vicki said about a recent event where they were spectators.

Despite comments that he is 'too big' for his age, George does not believe there is such a thing as 'too big.' He shared his thoughts: “It just depends on how big you want to be. I don't think anyone can be too big if there’s no such thought.” The boy dreams of personal records: 'I feel excitement and adrenaline, as you know you're getting stronger.'

At his debut competition, George did not feel serious nerves. He noted: “I was just more excited since I knew I had done everything I could.” Only when the judges began announcing names, and he did not hear his, did George think that he might be placed.

“In the end, this is a sport. People came here to see this,” he says about posing on stage in blue swimsuits.

He does not think that his passion for bodybuilding prevents him from being an ordinary teenager. George spends time with friends, even though he feels some tension during the competition season. Vicki added that he could go for pizza, but chooses chicken and rice.

Despite the large influence on social media, George does not experience body dysmorphia. 'Some people feel that, but it's not for me,' he notes.

Vicki tries to ensure a safe environment on social media for her son. She noted: “Showing his body at such an age attracts unwanted attention. I try to steer him away from it.” According to Vicki, George calmly handles comments: “He never expressed concern about not looking good enough; he just lives day by day.”

Research on the consequences of bodybuilding

One area of concern is the impact of heavy weights on George's body. The boy claims he has never had serious injuries, however his back became an issue after an injury while deadlifting last year. Vicki says George has friends who get injured playing rugby, but he has no daily injuries.

Professor Hannah Campbell, a lecturer in applied physiology at the University of Leeds, warns about extreme bodybuilding for teenagers and its potential risks. “Bodybuilding in general is not beneficial for your health, especially when there's such a one-sided interest,” she notes.

“Building muscle and weight training is beneficial for teenagers, however extreme bodybuilding is not something I would recommend for a 14-year-old boy,” the professor adds.

She explains that individuals under 18 have not yet reached physiological and neurological development, and simple exercises that focus only on individual muscles do not contribute to adequate growth and development. Another area of concern is the potential intake of unregulated supplements.

Vicki acknowledges that the conversation about the link between bodybuilding and steroids will soon become relevant, but hopes this doesn't happen until George grows out of his teenage years. She added that her son has access to professionals who will warn him about the consequences of taking steroids, so for now she is not worried.

George hopes to participate in new competitions this summer after this year's success, so he may have to turn down Easter eggs again.