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At our family gym (think YMCA), middle school kids can have orientation to the "universal" equipment.
Not sure if I should get my son in a structured, body-part plan (chest day/leg day/etc.) or all-around stuff (pull-ups, push-ups, core work, and cardio). As johnny427 said, form will definitely be preached - light weight/resistance + high rep with good form.
With his size, a lot of the universal stuff is too big - requires a lot of adjustments & I'm trying to touch as little as possible in this Covid environment. This tends to lean to all-around workouts; but, should he do the same exercises daily (probably 5 days a week on avg, we get to the gym)?
If, for instance, I say just to various push-ups today, he'll end quickly...then, I'll tell him to run/jog. I'm afraid he'll get bored.
Appreciate any online resources you can point to. Not looking to re-invent the wheel & I'm sure in 10 yrs, some workout for kids is already out there. I saw one put out by Spartan (Race), at least the logo is there but it's burpees, crunches, etc. That's good, but I'd like to also incorporate dumbbells and machines. Thanks!
I don't see anything wrong with getting kids around that age started lifting weights. ASSUMING they're taught properly with respect to form and not overloading themselves with too heavy weights. You'll likely have to be their shadow in the gym until you're comfortable leaving them to do it alone, which could take several years. Maybe start with machines and work up to free weights.
At our family gym (think YMCA), middle school kids can have orientation to the "universal" equipment.
Not sure if I should get my son in a structured, body-part plan (chest day/leg day/etc.) or all-around stuff (pull-ups, push-ups, core work, and cardio). As johnny427 said, form will definitely be preached - light weight/resistance + high rep with good form.
With his size, a lot of the universal stuff is too big - requires a lot of adjustments & I'm trying to touch as little as possible in this Covid environment. This tends to lean to all-around workouts; but, should he do the same exercises daily (probably 5 days a week on avg, we get to the gym)?
If, for instance, I say just to various push-ups today, he'll end quickly...then, I'll tell him to run/jog. I'm afraid he'll get bored.
Appreciate any online resources you can point to. Not looking to re-invent the wheel & I'm sure in 10 yrs, some workout for kids is already out there. I saw one put out by Spartan (Race), at least the logo is there but it's burpees, crunches, etc. That's good, but I'd like to also incorporate dumbbells and machines. Thanks!
I'm empty nested now, they are both doing very well in life with good health, good degrees, jobs etc. We're all very close and talk frequently. Pretty much can't ask for any more than that.
IMO the best sort of exercise is the kind you are getting without it being exercise. Anything you can find that is fun for them and engaging is a win.
With regards to weights, it's kinda amazing what kind of shape you can get in with a simple pair of dumbells or two (one lighter, one heavier) if you have a place to keep them near the TV, it's not a bad idea like if they like the NFL and a game is on etc.
We just got our 12 year old son a bench and weights. I work out with him. We are only benching about 35 lbs, and curling the bar only. We also do leg extensions with a 15lb plate and squats holding the bar only. We also do push ups.
I am very careful to model correct posture and technique. We are working with very light loads, but will slowly increase over time. Hope this helps.
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Anything you can find that is fun for them and engaging is a win.
