The Latest Thing In The Gym…. KIDS!
Yesterday I was doing a photo shoot with my friend Eric at his gym, Anytime Fitness in Cathedral City, California. And then we decided to add his son, Austinn to a couple of photos. Families that lift together stay together, and maybe stay much healthier…
It reminded me that my father first took me to gym when I was about nine years old and I actually started lifting when I was around twelve. Somewhere along the way I think various medical groups and agencies decided that kids should not lift weights, that it would somehow do them harm. Probably the same folks who gave us those old food pyramids telling us about all the heavy carb and fruit intake we should have. Of course years later we found that diet was a not such good advice either.
In the latest issue of Iron Man Magazine, September 2009, there is a new report quoted from SportsHealthJournal.com that says "participating in even a short duration strength training program during childhood and especially during adolescence may not only improve one’s body composition, but also increase self-esteem and improve blood lipid profiles".
Right now we are facing a health crisis in the United States. I have read various reports in the last few days looking for the specific statistic but it seems to be that anywhere from 20% - 40% of the kids are now obese. It is truly a national crisis. So maybe a lot of us right here on BodySpace should lead the way and tell the story, take your kid to the gym. It’s fun. I liked it. And Austinn likes it too!
Thanks and keep coming back if you "Wanna See More…?"
July 30, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Great blog, Ian! I think that were the problem lies. You hit the nail right on the head! Parents need to set the example. Today children, teen look to others but the strongest Influnce in your life is your parents! Those others are only around in magz and billboard..etc. Your parents are always around and that the best example a young mind can have!
Great blog, and great picture! Love them both And the black and white was the right choice for this photo!
Jeremy
July 30, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I CAN’T WAIT till my kids (4 & 3) are able to go to the "real gym" with me. I take them to the gym but they always go to the "kids gym" where they get to climb, color, or play with toys while I catch a workout. Every time I take them, they ask if they can "see" the grown up gym and they’re very excited to go with me to the grown up gym when they’re big enough! Thanks for blogging this.
July 30, 2009 at 2:11 pm
No doubt my kids will get in the weight room early in life; especially since my wife and I are both bodybuildeing junkies now! I never bought the idea that lifting too young would "stunt your growth".
Your photography is incredible by the way. I really enjoyed your photos of Tiffany, my fellow Portlander. I wanna see more!
July 30, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I would add the even if my 4 children do not lift with me - they absorb the healthy lifestyle as "normal" and like to be active rather than sit around. Go Eric!
July 31, 2009 at 11:18 am
my daughter is 11 and is counting the months until she is 12 and can go upstairs in the gym. she competes in softball and gymnastics and already had a bicep that is amazing…
August 4, 2009 at 4:40 pm
That’s a great picture!!
August 4, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I started going with my Dad when I was really young–like at age 6. Not many kids at all in there when I was young, but I’ve noticed lately at my gym that there are alot more kids . Glad to see it with all the health problems you see today with most.
August 9, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Without any question: Bodybuilding, being a major contributor to my positive self esteem, has paved the way for many of the successes I have experienced during the last twenty plus years….
And oh yeah, by the way: This black and white surely could be nominated for picture of the year….Euphoria, plus-plus….