The gym and kids

[ladyliftin']

Hi there,

I would be grateful for some feedback about kids and the gym.

My son is always begging me to come to my gym with me, and although he is only 10, I think it would be a great way to spend time with him. My gym only allows kids in around 14. I have a few pieces of equipment at home and some free weights, and I was just wondering is it too soon to let him get on the stuff? I don't want to make him into a mini-hulk or anything. Is letting them exercise in this regard bad for them at this age?

Actually yesterday while I was at the gym a class of kids came in, around my son's age, with teachers and started working out. Not only did they get on the cardio equipment but they used the machines as well. Apparently it was through the school and it was their physed class. It required parental permission I was told but I thought it was great!

Any thoughts?

Cheers:)

[Mr.Freeze]

I started trainning at the age of 8 years old in my house with my grand father i had Bench press a leg press and a squat cage and my first membership in a gym was at 13 years old and my grand mother had to comme with me and sign the contract to let me in. I had no trouble but you have to be carefull with the type of exercise and the weight hes pushing. Like squat he could do some but very light (with the bar only) at that age you better of showing how to do the exercise propely then trying to lift heavy!

[ergie]

yeah what freeze said pritty much, working out is ok but not heavy........ light weight with proper form and cardio is good to go.

[thealchemist]

Training should be kept light and at high reps sticking more to pulleys and machines than basic exercises. The reason for this is that kids are still growing and doing heavy weights can have a negative impact on their growth plates. Keep it simple, safe and fun and than around 17-18 take it a step up.

[liquidfire]

Training should be kept light and at high reps sticking more to pulleys and machines than basic exercises. The reason for this is that kids are still growing and doing heavy weights can have a negative impact on their growth plates. Keep it simple, safe and fun and than around 17-18 take it a step up.

That's in no way scientifically supported... Kids can lift weights as long as they are supervised and taught perfect form before going at all heavy... Well, within reason... Don't bring your 4 year old to the gym with you ;)

[CANADIAN_COPPER]

Weights To Tone Not Grow!!! Its A Great Way To Get The Kids Into The Healthier Lifestyle!!! We All Know This Generation Of Kids Are Extremely Lazy And Stuck On The Comp Or Xbox Lol
My Gym Is Awsome For Gettin Kids Involved!!! They Have There Own Room With A Few Machines!!! When They Get In The Have To Do There Circut First!!! Then They Got Bikes You Have To Pedal To So You Can Play The Video Games!! Stop Pedaling Game Stops!!! Loads Of Gym Activities And All!!! If Ya Got Kids Like Myself Its Great To Look Around For A Gym That Will Suit Everyone!!!

Proper Training And Tech Is Esential!!! I Started Lifting When I Was 10 And Had No Help Or Anyone To Show Me !!!started Doin Heavy Weights A Yr Later And Yrs Of Wrong Tech As Done Some Damage To My Back!!! Didnt Feel It Then But Time Sure Catches Up To Ya!!!
Just Remember There Kids So It Has To Be Fun Or They'll Lose Interest Fast!!!

[supermuscles]

at that age don't have him do squats, or bench press...

just have him work with DBs only till he is older, this way he will get fit but no stress on the growing bones...

[O-Train]

I started training with my dad in our basement when I was 14. Mind you he's a kinesiologist and he set up everything I did. I mostly just did bench press and it didn't affect my growth as far as I can tell. That being said 10yrs old is much younger in terms of development than 14. For someone that age I wouldn't want them doing anything more than calisthenics (body weight type exercises like pushups).

I would definitely encourage you to get your son active and involved as soon as you can though. It helps with so many aspects of life. I would say the best program would be something similar to what we did in the army. A series of stations set up in a circuit where you only use your body weight. It should also incorporate some kind of cardiovascular exercise in between to allow the muscles to recover and improve aerobic capacity. Great thing about it is you need very minimal equipment and its easy to modify.

Might be a little much for a 10yr old but I don't think lifting weights at that age would be the best option.

[mandarb11]

I started at 14, I am going to start my oldest son very soon when he turns 13, but I do not want him to even get close to lifting heavy weights for a few more years at least. the biggest thing is to get him started and teach him proper form and technique, worrying about size and strength will come later.

[corhof60]

1st year kinesiology student, learned that gym excersises actually benefit kids.

most importantly, they help develop bone/ligament/tendon strength at an early age.
just make sure you have proper form to minimize risk of injury.

[TL1000S]

Jus make sure that he is the one that wants to go, and isn't being dragged there. I think having him start a moderate gym regimen, will give him increased confidence, and let's not forget better health.

I see way to many fat kids out there, so there should be no question as to whether or not it's beneficial. You shold behappy he wants to goto the gym, and not play guitar hero like everyone else.

Lifting weights (moderately) is no different than climbing on the jungle-gym, and the treadmill is less intense than playing soccer or dodgeball.

Go for it!!