What age to start?

[callthedoctor]

At what age should/could I encourage my son to start lifting....

What do I do in the meantime?

Thanks

[babybull34]

Pushups, non-weighted squats, roman chairs, and crunches would all be good physical activities that he could start at a relatively young age. But, for actual weight-bearing excersize, I would say 13 and make sure he's supervised and assisted, and it could become a great bonding experience for you and your son. Good Luck, to both of you.

BB34

[Gator_Mclusky]

yea 12 or 13.

That lil Hercules kid is like 9 or 10 but i dont agree w/ that one...just aint right IMO.
Gator

[jjfigure]

Really depends more on your son's biological age than his chronological age. Is he mature enough to deal with the discipline involved with starting a weight training program?

BTW - there's a chinese female weightlifter who just snatched over 300 lbs; she's 12 years old.

[mega12]

I say whenever.. but agree very light weight, let the kid learn the proper form, and just get a taste for the weights..
Mega

[mtex]

when kids are growing it's not a good idea to train. ( to tare down muscles while stil growing ) . after puberty is a good time. all the new hormones etc, makes for good results.

[Citruscide]

You can always start him off at running, and cardio vascular exercises at a younger younger age. Perhaps not long distance on hard surfaces (grass maybe) to avoid too much shock to his tender knees.

I would say weight training could start around 13-14 ... depending on his development. No need to go heavy (unless he is fully developed?) -- It's really an individualistic question -- there is no "mean" age to start lifting...

It really depends on your son's desire.. I think I did some messing around in 7th or 8th grade... but never really got into it and was doing it all wrong... LOL -- GO FIGURE!

C-ditty

[Rooster]

I would start him at 12 yrs of age. But teach him the basics. Dont get a trainer..find a coach. Light basic moves. (he shouldnt be going heavy until he understand how to do the movement)

Overhead press, squat, deadlift and bench..plus some powercleans. The only problem is finding a coach...an olympic lifter.

I started at 12....my first day in the gym I was squating. My growth plates didnt fuse..I am taller than my father...I had a coach at 14...by 15 I weighed 155 was 5ft 6in bench 230, powercleaned and jerked 205, could deadlift 315 and squat 315. I might not be right in the head but I am physically good.

I also started running on a track team when I was in 4th grade..(little intramurel thing)...The eccentric stress palced on the body by sprinting is greater than anything I could move in the gym at that age and I didnt hurt or scar myself.

Start him off right. Learn the basics and if he chooses to bodybuild or what ever, thats cool. But at least his base will be strong.

Again this is my opinion.

You probably should read the NSCA position paper on Youth Training.

http://www.nsca-lift.org/Publication...atements.shtml

I can't access the paper for you because my membership expired, but I'm sure someone else can retrieve it for you.

Also, I own this book which is pretty good, but I don't need it anymore. (The kids grew up.) If you WANT it, send me a PM and I'll mail it to ya. It needs a good home. Heres the book:

http://www.humankinetics.com/product...sbn=0873223969