Thread: When to start the kiddies?

Calisthenics and cardiovascular exercise is fine for kids of all ages. But actual lifting shouldn't be started until 15-16 IMO, and you should always emphasize the importance of form over weight.

I would wait until puberty at least. That way testosterone levels will be up. Also, it is probably a good idea to wait until 18+ for really heavy lifting because of the stress it puts on your joints, ligaments, bones, etc. which are not always fully formed at below that age.

Originally posted by Yanick
Calisthenics and cardiovascular exercise is fine for kids of all ages. But actual lifting shouldn't be started until 15-16 IMO, and you should always emphasize the importance of form over weight.

I started lifting at 14yrs old......look how well I turned out YAN

Originally posted by Yanick
Calisthenics and cardiovascular exercise is fine for kids of all ages. But actual lifting shouldn't be started until 15-16 IMO, and you should always emphasize the importance of form over weight.

I agree, develop good form when they are young and when thier horomones settle as they age, start packin on the beef.

Cool, I won't start putting supplements in their bottles yet lol :P Sorry this was for future reference more than anything else. My twin boy and girl are only at 6 weeks now They won't be lifting for a while hah.

I stared just lifting weights when I was 13 - didn't get serious with weight training (diet etc.) until about 16 though.

I'm a regular here, but I was about to ask the same question. My stepson is 11, and I've been itching to get him in the weight room... of course not for a few years yet. I was thinking 14.

Originally posted by JerseyDevil
I'm a regular here, but I was about to ask the same question. My stepson is 11, and I've been itching to get him in the weight room... of course not for a few years yet. I was thinking 14.

jerseydevil...can i make a suggestion? im only 16 so u can brush this off lol but i think this is pretty good advice: even tho u want him to lift, doesnt mean he wants to. Make sure he wants to lift and ure not pressuring him!....just my 2 cents! good luck

6 weeks old? I think you need to worry about diaper changes and feedings not lifting LOL. Congrats on the twins there. I have twin neice and nephew and they are so happy and like two little grown ups even at 6 years old. Computer wiz's also.

I started lifting around 13 yrs old and had no problems. I was pencil thin at the time. Thats back when Presidential Physical Fitness award programs were the in thing. Schools need to bring back that program cause kids now adays are too damn fat!!

Actually, I also did some lifting at the age of 13. I was forced to for wrestling. Then, I took weight training as a class for an entire year when I was 15. It wasn't until I was 18 that I really got back into it. Anyway, I didn't notice any negative results from lifting that young, but waiting until a little later is just a safety precaution.

Most research shows that actual weight lifting should wait until puberty, but as far as children and exercising along with things that use a childs own bodyweight (pullups, pushups, situps, dips, ploymetrics, etc) can and SHOULD be started as soon as the child can. Weight training is discouraged until puberty.

^ its only b/c they dont want the kids lifting alone
they think they will drop things and try for too much weight and
do incorrect form

plus you dont want your 11 year old son fing around with 200 over his chest and a spotter whos not paying attention. i started at 13 or so... but had no knowledge of the subject so didnt see any real sort of gains till 16. who knows if it did me bad or good.

Originally posted by Brak86
jerseydevil...can i make a suggestion? im only 16 so u can brush this off lol but i think this is pretty good advice: even tho u want him to lift, doesnt mean he wants to. Make sure he wants to lift and ure not pressuring him!....just my 2 cents! good luck

Thanks brak. I definitely will not force him to. He has expressed interest in lifting weights since I do it. Of course 11 is way too young. He is taking karate now, and loves it. Many martial arts people that I know also weight train. Just trying to get a handle on when to posssibly start him. 14 years old would be a minimum, with 15 or 16 probably being a better age.

Most important thing is if they want to lift. Not if daddy wants to live vicariously through their children's participation in any sport....

Originally posted by P-funk
I started lifting at 14yrs old......look how well I turned out YAN

Shut up freak...get back in your cage!

Originally posted by Yanick
Shut up freak...get back in your cage!

Yan are you old enough to be lifting weights yet (18yrs old)? i am scared you are going to break your growth plates.

15 years is the recommened age , well that's what the experts say in the fitness industry , we train alot of junior athletes here in our fitness facility , and all of the juniors are under personal trainers supervision , are fully instructed in correct exercise technique etc etc.... make sure you have a safe weight program designed by a qualified trainer that has experience in the weight training area , also remember that nutrition plays a vital role in growth & recovery for young athletes so get some sound advice , good luck .xx