How Young Is Too Young to Start Weight Training?

Updated on August 01, 2008
T.H. asks from Clovis, NM
4 answers

Hi to all you moms out there, I'm looking for advice for my son who will be 12 in two weeks. He's really interested in starting to weight train with me and my oldest daughter, but I'm not so sure if he should. I've heard over and over that weight training too early can stunt your growth and cause all kinds of other problems. My son is in no way overweight, he's very active and plays on a basketball team, but is getting at that age where he wants to start to see muscles, for the ladies I guess :), and asked me if he can start lifting weights now. What do you all think, is it okay to let him train with dumbells. Any advice would be greatly apprecialted, thank you.

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T.C.

answers from Wichita Falls on

My youngest is 9(competes on a gymnastics team) she began to weight train at age 6. The only way i agreed to it was if her Dr. said ok. We have a rehab center at the hospital and they monitored and showed her how to use each weight and how to lift without the natural strain we place on our backs. As long as she doesnt go above her body weight the Dr was fine with it. He said she could do more if she wanted to after she went thru puberty. Hope this helps and have fun!!!

1 mom found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Dallas on

Light resitance training is ok. I would not recommend any HEAVY training. I think running, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and weight trianing is ok. I am an Athletic Trainer, and I can tell you that just from the running,push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups, he will notice a difference! Make sure that he is eating properly, getting enough water, and is resting after exercise!

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C.J.

answers from Dallas on

I thought most kids who started playing football in 7th grade did a little weight training in class. I would call your doctor and get his/her advice.

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M.B.

answers from Dallas on

14 is what I've read and followed. I think you want them to have had some significant puberty induced growth before you do that. Also, they don't necessarily have high enough levels of hormones, etc. that promote the muscle growth (i.e., testosterone, which is an anabolic steroid). My oldest son waited until he was 14.5 and he really didn't see any impact until he was well over 15.

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