Erik

I would like to hear from other parents or perhaps coaches and trainers with some experience with young teens and lifting
My son is 15 and on the National freestyle wrestling team. I say this to let you understand the level of commitment
Okay. He is genetically gifted. ( on his moms side) he Grand father was one of those old iron age Charles Atlas types. He makes gains that just seem freaky.
I believe that he should strike now while the iron is hot. Meaning, lift eat and wrestle like there is no tomorrow. Mentally this is all he wants to do anyway.
At 15 are there any health or safety issues that are specific to that age group. Or do the same sensible principals apply to him as they would any trainee/athlete?.
I would appreciate any counter arguments

DimebagDarrell

being that his growth plates are probably not closed, it could be a bad idea to put compressive weights on his spine and such. some 15 year olds are near the end of their growth. others, like me, still had quite a while to go. some people just suggest doing lighter weights, like 15-20 reps such that the bones can handle it.

cutting sucks.

Mudge

I started lifting at 11 years old and still ended up taller than my father and do not believe I would have been any taller at all (6'2"). I would still be carefull with the weight used, emphasizing proper form of course.

Kinesiology Comp Bench
MaxCalc Motivation Bench form Charles Poliquin
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu

LAM

I have been lifting as heavy as possible since I was 13, now almost 36. as long as your form is good, there are no concerns...

Dumbest statement made in the Anabolic Zone for Nov

TBD

-----------------------------------------------------

What you talking about Willis ?

CowPimp

It seems to me that a lot of people recommend waiting until puberty before beginning to weight train. I am assuming that your son is well into puberty. I lifted when I was 13 for a while. I am the tallest person in my family, including pretty distant family. As long as he eats right and maintains proper form he should be good to go. A lot of kids my age were lifting at that time; not a single one has suffered injury or stopped growing as a result.

The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing...

Belligerent Bovine badass
YouTube Videos

gr81

I have been more or less training and educating my brothers since they were 14 or 15 and I believe its very important to not pressure them. Its all about just letting them get comfortable under the weights with no expectations to lift certain weights, ya feel me. Let them have fun with it and just guide them when you can. I strongly believe that teh most imprortant work is doen not in the weight room at that age, but in the books instead. Establishing smart training habits and learning is what will bring future success. building their confidence is vital and teaching how to lift with correct form is just as vital, much more important than how much they are lifting IMO

Erik

Thanks for the ideas and comments, from the posts I have read I think we are on the right track, of course he works out at school, even though it is a Huge Class AAA high school, its still what I consider an unfocused environment. Too much "who's dick is the biggest" His serious work is at the gym, which has been very accommodating to a youth that has been serious about training ( Champion Health and Fitness Kentwood Michigan)
Form and technique are king its just harassment of the body when the form goes to hell, a waste of time, so who ever mentioned proper form, I could not agree more.
Trying to dial in that diet, Its not what he eats, it the amount, I would like to see him eat more and more regularly. Breakfast and lunch are a joke for kids his age. Its hard to be a true believer when you are 15 ,I imagine

Vital Signs

Whenever I read a thread that DimebagDarrell has posted in, I generally stop and stare at her avatar for about 5 minutes and foreget what the topic is all about!

Anyway, I have finally made down here to the Reply Button! No weights prior to puberty!... and only light weights within the first few years, and hit him with the heavy poundage at about 18. Fifteen year olds are gonna eat crap, but at his age and considering his routine, he is obviously blasting the garbage out of his body at very quick rate. I am assuming that you both have a great relationship and eventually (if not already) he will look to you as a role model and get more serious about his intake!

NEW_IN_THE_GAME

I Am 17- 6'5 And 225 - I Have Done Heavy Lifting Since I Was Younger - Helping My Uncles On Cars- I Have Been Lifting Weights At Max For Bout 1 Yer Now. I Do Not Think This Will Stunt His Growth Any- Many People Tell Me That I Should Start Now Cause My Body Is At Its Peak Level. So Tell Him To Go For It.