Weightlifting for kids (muscle, lifting weights, pushups, bench press)

[Mathguy]

Looking for some general advice on this.

Boys 10 and 12 in good health and they are showing an interest. Curious as to when they can start lifting and what types of programs they could do etc.

Obviously nothing unsupervised or with heavy free weights etc. Just looking for some general information.

Thankyou.

[Crustedfilth]

never too early. My 7 year old lifts with me. maybe stick with the basics, lunges, squats, machine stuff, push ups, core work, etc.

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Mathguy, congrats on having your children's health and fitness as a priority. I think I was around 10-12 (maybe younger) when I got my first (cement filled) weight set. I think its great and safe for your boys to begin working out, but just make sure they dont go too heavy.

As Crusted said above, the basics is what they should stick to for now - squats, bench press, curls and bodyweight exercises like pushups, pullups, burpees, lunges etc.

[Mathguy]

Cool. I'm thinking of making it a family thing, also been running with them while they ride their bikes etc. Should be a lot easier once the cooler fall weather comes.

I just don't want them couch-potatoing and they've never been "into" team sports so much and it was honestly just difficult to keep them involved in lots of external activities for a few years because of family illness.

My youngest is also *abnormally* strong with profound muscle density. (He is 10 and is close to the size and weight of his 12yo brother and is stronger) He has had some issues with school and fitting in so I'm hoping something like this could be a good outlet for him and perhaps help him socially too.

[Crustedfilth]

Originally Posted by Mathguy

Cool. I'm thinking of making it a family thing, also been running with them while they ride their bikes etc. Should be a lot easier once the cooler fall weather comes.

I just don't want them couch-potatoing and they've never been "into" team sports so much and it was honestly just difficult to keep them involved in lots of external activities for a few years because of family illness.

My youngest is also *abnormally* strong with profound muscle density. (He is 10 and is close to the size and weight of his 12yo brother and is stronger) He has had some issues with school and fitting in so I'm hoping something like this could be a good outlet for him and perhaps help him socially too.

being fit will give him the confidence he needs to get by in school. Good job dad.

[FourOhFive]

Wow. I would research kids lifting with weights before you start anything hardcore. I have heard that any age before 14 is too young. The body is still forming. Push ups, sit ups, etc. are still great. But nothing with weights.

I know this obviously goes against what the other posters on here are saying. I also know that kids in sports are lifting with their school at a younger age. I can also tell you that I am no expert in the field. I have a friend who is though, and his magic number was age 14.

I'm not saying don't do it. I have no idea. I'm just saying research further than this forum before you start your child on a weight program.

[veuvegirl]

Originally Posted by FourOhFive

Wow. I would research kids lifting with weights before you start anything hardcore. I have heard that any age before 14 is too young. The body is still forming. Push ups, sit ups, etc. are still great. But nothing with weights.

I know this obviously goes against what the other posters on here are saying. I also know that kids in sports are lifting with their school at a younger age. I can also tell you that I am no expert in the field. I have a friend who is though, and his magic number was age 14.

I'm not saying don't do it. I have no idea. I'm just saying research further than this forum before you start your child on a weight program.

I 100% agree. Lifting weights is never recommended for such young boys. To keep them active, run, play ball, push-ups, sit ups etc. Talk to your doctor or a personal trainer.

[Bosco55David]

Originally Posted by LaoTzuMindFu

Mathguy, congrats on having your children's health and fitness as a priority. I think I was around 10-12 (maybe younger) when I got my first (cement filled) weight set. I think its great and safe for your boys to begin working out, but just make sure they dont go too heavy.

As Crusted said above, the basics is what they should stick to for now - squats, bench press, curls and bodyweight exercises like pushups, pullups, burpees, lunges etc.

I agree with this.

Keep the weight reasonable, and don't get into a bunch of exotic exercies. Around 16-17 is when you can really kick it up a notch.

[johnny427]

I started when I was 13 lifting with my dad. All I did was light lifts focusing on form instead of weight so when I did deciede to go heavy, around 16-17 dont remember, I would not hurt myself doing the wrong form. My body also grew the way it should of with me being 6'3 275lbs with 14% bodyfat. All this was done by the age of 18 and all natural. It sounds like you 10 year old will turn out to be like myself and it definantly will increase his confidence to get through school as it did for me. Just keep it to the basic lifts, light weight and focus on form instead of weight. See if he might be into strong man competitions, that maybe a good thing for him when he gets a little older. I wish all of you luck and nothing but great success.

[Houston321]

I would suggest pull-ups, push-ups, core work, and cardio. No weights just yet. Just my 2 cents.