LINEBACKER-WORK-OUT

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

My name is Gabriel, im fifteen years old going on to 16 on march 11.I weigh about 79 Kgs. I am a HGE FAN OF THE NFL, but I have never played football with shoulders, pads or helmet. But im determined, to lose some weight, but my dad doesnt let me and hit the weights at the gym, as he says that its bad for me in this age. I think im going to study in the US, and thinking of joining a football team in my college, so can you tell me what may i do to get prepared for that, because i know it will be difficult. This answer, will answer a lot of questions for me and i would be very gratefull. Thank you.

ANSWER: Dear Gabriel,
Ask your dad if it is okay for you to do some running? The better condition you are in, the easier it will be to join a football team. Make sure that you are checked by a doctor before you start working-out. He can tell you what you can and cannot do to get in shape. Everyone in the U.S.A. is required to get a medical checkup before that can play any sport.

Your friend, Louis

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello,
How about resisting 15 to 20 minute jogs, is that good? Because i do resist that, as i play soccer. And by the way i want to be a defensive player, linebacker, like a Clay Mathews type which is my favorite player, so another question which i forgot to write on my last question, is that im 1.73 Meters which i believe is about 5 feet 8, 5 feet 9 in the USA. Should i grow more or what?? Again thank you for all you respond to me, and if you have any tips like running each day or whatever, i would be more than thankfull.

Greetings from Colombia

Answer
Dear Gabriel,
Playing soccer is a great way to get in shape. Play some handball and basketball it will help you with your linebacker skills. If you are going to do some running take it slow. Do not over do it.

Growing,
Do not worry about things that you cannot control. You are young and you are still growing. Just work on the things that you can control, like your conditioning.

Your friend, Louis