When to start kids lifting weights?

[Jim JAmes]

Does anyone know what a good age to start kids lifting? I have a 10yr old son who wants to start working out, but I hesitate as I have heard it can stunt growth.



If anyone has some good information I would really appreciate it.



Thanks!

 

[LAM]

IMO...7th grade is a good time to start

there is absolutely no data that shows that resistance training stunts growth.

 

[Kimber]

I actually just read a study this morning about 1RM strength testing in kids 6-12 years old (safe, according to the study). The National Strength and Conditioning Association is fully supportive of resistance training for kids. You can go to that website and read their position statement on it....nsca.com.

 

[Fade]

I started my son when he was 13 and 5'5"...he's 17 now and 6'3"

No stunting there.

 

[Mudge]

We have lots of threads on this. I was 11 when I started and I'm taller than my father, I dont believe it hurt me at all.

I just think you need to be more carefull about their motor skills and ego, the stunted growth thing I dont believe has any real basis in reality.

 

[Kimber]

I started in the 6th grade (like 11/12 years old?) and I'm 6'2", but I was already 5'10" by that point.

 

[Fade]

Yeah making sure they use good form for the lifts is the main thing. Kids tend to have a bad habit of going too heavy and disregarding form.

 

[Jim JAmes]

First, thanks for the responses.



Like I mentioned, he is only 10, but 4' 10" tall... I think. He is interested and I would really like him to start working on his form only. Not a lot of weight at all, but something to get the proper mechanics of the basic lifts.

 

[Flex]

Does anyone know what a good age to start kids lifting?

My father abused steroids, so in theory i've been pumping iron since i was in the nut sac

 

[Mudge]

First, thanks for the responses.



Like I mentioned, he is only 10, but 4' 10" tall... I think. He is interested and I would really like him to start working on his form only. Not a lot of weight at all, but something to get the proper mechanics of the basic lifts.

Thats exactly what I did with my younger brothers. I'd put 1 1/4 pounders on a dumbell and that would be their barbell curling weight. One of them had coordination issues that had to be combatted first.

 

[Flex]

I would really like him to start working on his form only. Not a lot of weight at all, but something to get the proper mechanics of the basic lifts.

Get his form perfect, and just have him try to learn as much as possible about training, diet, etc etc, and who knows, maybe you're son will be Mr. Olympia 2025

 

[BritChick]

I think resistance training for kids is awesome as long as it's supervised and proper technique is taught.

 

[nikegurl]

flex said nut sac

anyway - i agree with everyone. starting young is great as long as you make sure the form is perfect. i think young kids may be more apt to pile on the poundage and disregard proper form. sounds like you've got that covered.

 

[bigss75]

I started around 13. Helped me to become not morbidly obese like I was 250 to 170 at 6'3. As for stunting growth i wouldnt know because Im 6'4 and i started at 6'3.

 

[musclepump]

Like gymnasts... short and they blame it all on their sport!

I was "supposed" to be 6'4 according to my doctors, now I'm 20 and 5'11, not growing anymore. I started when I was 13.

 

[LAM]

be glad you are not 6'4, filling out a 5'11 frame is hard enough

 

[ATOMSPLTR]

I started my son when he was 8. We had a couple of rules that we would not compromise on. First, he could not lift without me being there. Second, he could not move up in weight unless he could do 3 sets of 15 with a two minute rest, and he had to always be able to do sets of 10. That took care of the lifting too much weight issue.

I work rotating shiftwork, so it is hard for us to hit the gym together 3 times a week, even though it's in our basement. So on days when he wants to exercise and I can't be there, he does pushups and situps on his own. We also keep a log of what he's doing. This program has helped him immensely.

 

[CowPimp]

I think resistance training for kids is awesome as long as it's supervised and proper technique is taught.

Booya.

 

[ph8bringer]

I'm 15 now, and 6'. I started lifting seriously at 13, and I was 5'10 1/2". I don't believe kids lifting can stunt their growth, but I think it can indeed lead to other serious problems if proper form and technique is not held in close regard.

 

[Machher]

IMO...7th grade is a good time to start

there is absolutely no data that shows that resistance training stunts growth.

and there is no data that shows it doesnt stunt growth. There is data showing continuous growth, but since growth patterns are less than predictable its impossible to give a final conclusion.

So forever will this topic will remain in the grey areas of science. But as far as we can tell resistance training like all other forms of training, exercise is good for you!

Just a little story:
My 10 year old sister was running on the track and some old lady told her that theres an age limit on the track. Now im thinking wth? theres an age limit to when you can start running in controlled circles? Not like shes immature and messes around on the track she runs, like everyone else. But ofcoarse my 10 y/o sister being the proud girl she is... she says "who are you to be telling me where to run"

 

[LAM]

and there is no data that shows it doesnt stunt growth. There is data showing continuous growth, but since growth patterns are less than predictable its impossible to give a final conclusion.

So forever will this topic will remain in the grey areas of science. But as far as we can tell resistance training like all other forms of training, exercise is good for you!

there is no data that proves that inhaling Aragon in prepubescent years doesn???t stunt growth either, so what does that prove, nothing ?

it is nothing more than a stupid myth that bb'ers height is stunted mainly because you simply don't see a lot of tall bodybuilders. It is a stupid myth that is perpetuated by the uneducated masses.

 

[JoeR.]

I have been lifting on and off since I was in 6th grade, I am 5'5" now. Is that weight liftings fault..........no its because my damn parents are so short. Just keep an eye on him, at that age you think you can do anything.

 

[Machher]

there is no data that proves that inhaling Aragon in prepubescent years doesn???t stunt growth either, so what does that prove, nothing ?

lol true. why the hell did u even mention that? I was supporting you though. Sorta