hey I'm 15 and have been working out for 4 years now. I have been lifting weights for about a year and a half, and before that I lifted just my own body weight, with push ups, pulluos, squats, sit ups, crunches and the like. recently my mum called me an exercise addict. I haven't missed 1 day since i started lifting weights. I don't lift very heavy, apart from when I go to the fym, I usually work out at home, but I do lots of reps. My body is solid muscle, but I don't have a lot of size. I'm 5 ft 4 and about 110 pounds. I have a really bad back, and know am not supposed to work out every day. I know if I take a day or 2 break every week, I won't lose size, but I'm worried about losing definition. I don't want to take a break unless I do. I also can't get any bigger. Please can someone give me some suggestions?

Stop lifting everyday. It won't make you any bigger and will only cause back problems. Remember once you mess up your back badly its messed up for life. your 15 you really want a bad back 4 life? Don't be stupid.

I have a bda back, as I do judo too, then hurt it with the lifting, and I know it'll be bad for life, but I'd rather have a bad back than a body with less muscle tone than I have become accustomed too. If I cut it down, will I lose muscle definition? especially on my abs?

you will not loose any cut or mass from taking a day or two per week of rest. Quite the contrary, you will gain! Your muscle mass comes from rebuilding! Also, it is possible to have a fantastic body and a healthy back.

It is possible that you are focusing on your abs and not on your transverse abdominis and/or lower back. You must workout ALL core muscle and give them an even workout. Antagonist muscle weakness is a big reason for injury and pain.

Post your workout schedule and let us pick it apart some.

Don't be discouraged by taking a rest day, instead think of it as a healthy way to rejuvinate your body.

-Rip

Good attitude. Id rather have a decent body until Im 30 too, then be walking around hunched over barely able to play with my kids and grandkids for the rest of my days. Go to a chiropractor, dont be stupid.

cheers. My schedule of what I do? or how often? By the way, I eat healtily enough, but I still like chocolate, but I have cut everything else like sweets and fizzy drinks out of my diet. Any fat I get goes to my abs, although it aint much, I'm just afraid it will build up over the muscle if I rest too long. Will it? thanks.

Yes Alan. Post your entire workout schedule. for example

Mondays:
Standing Curls.. 3 sets 10 reps 25 pounds
Dead Lifts... 3 sets 10 reps 50 pounds. ECT ECT ECT

Then we can help each other out

no problem. I will do when I get the time, but just wanted to let you know, I took a rest day yesterday, and I feel great. I'm going to rest on tuesdays and thursdays, two days when i don't have a lot of time on my hands, and I am in the midst of changing my diet. Thanks for the help.