Kids and Weight Training: When Should They Start?

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Title: Kids and Weight Training: When Should They Start?

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Kids and Weight Training: When Should They Start?

Copyright 2005

Weight training and exercise in general can be very

beneficial to all children. It increases bone density,

increases strength, and improves muscular coordination. In

the past many people had concerns about children and

exercise but now we are much better informed.

What age should they start?

This is more of an ethical question. A child can start

training with weights at any age, but the real question is:

should they? Providing they have a well-designed program

and constant supervision by a qualified trainer they will

achieve benefits from weight training. But before you do

start your child with weights consider what they are trying

to achieve.

· If it is to improve their sport, then you will find that

concentrating more on the skills of the sport, rather than

strength will usually provide faster improvements.

· If you are looking to build muscle and strength, then

it’s no good starting them with weights until they start

producing testosterone. This is usually between 14-17

years.

Making Weight Training Safe for Kids

Make sure your child has a positive experience with

exercise by following these guidelines:

· All equipment should be safe and inspected regularly for

defects.

· Training equipment should be located in an uncrowded

area.

· The child must have the emotional maturity to follow

instructions relating to technique and safety.

· There must be adequate supervision of the child by an

experienced and registered Trainer to ensure correct

technique is used.

· Training should start with a thorough warm-up and

finished with a thorough cool-down.

· No weight should be added to the exercise until the child

can perform it with correct technique.

· Full range of motion must be performed on all exercises.

If this cannot be done then the weight is too heavy.

· No maximum lifts or competitions should be attempted.

· Full body programs are advised. These should be done 2-3

times per week.

· The child should perform 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.

· The weight should only be increased when the child can

perform 15 repetitions with correct technique.

· Make It Fun!!!!!

About the Author:

Ray has worked extensively in the health and fitness

industry for over 15 years. He has a degree in Exercise

Science and is a Level 2 Strength and Conditioning coach.

http://www.free-online-health.com