So, what is a good age?
Without a doubt, every workout in the gym would not be complete without someone, who knows you are trainer, stopping you and asking you a question about diet, supplementing, exercises, ect, ect! First thing to get out of the way, a good trainer WILL stop his own workout to help you with any simple questions that you may have. The key word in all that was ’simple,’ by the way. Not simple-easy, but simple-quick. If you think your question is going to take more that 2 minutes to ask and answer, then perhaps a later time would be more appropriate. Second thing is to discuss was today’s question was that I got during my workout.
I was in the gm doing a full body quick superset type workout, due to the limited time I had, and I was approached by a Dad and his son. The Dad I had known for about a year or so, and the son I had just met today. He was 13 years old and his dad was wondering if his son was too young to be lifting weights. He is currently involved in football and soccer, and was starting to get into weightlifting. Now, this is not your everyday question, for sure! Not too many times have I been asked about 13 year olds beginning a weight training routine.
My advice to this father and son was simple, partially due to the shortness of time I had, but mostly due to the fact that that question is really quite simple, I believe. The human body continues to grow and develop until your late teens, and even into your early-mid twenties. Weightlifting can due a lot of damage to a young boy at 13. Overloading his bones with to much weight could be detrimental to his development, especially his spine. My advice to him and his son was to start slow and see how his body takes to it. 13 is an ok age to starting lifting small weights as long as proper form and technique is utilized. Damage to the body at that stage in life can turn into a long lasting ailment. Be sure to steer clear of spine loading exercises such as the squat.
Also, something good to be mindful of is your son or daughters drive to supplement their workout routine with protein, or any other powders or pills. The best supplements for a growing young kid is a wholesome meal. If you want to aid their workouts with the timing of their meals, that’s ok, but do not under any circumstance be letting them use dietary supplements to aid their workouts. Not only are their bones and joints growing, but their internal organs are as well. The last thing you want to mess with is their hormones and throw those out of wack! They are already all over the place, no need to add insult to injury.
So, that is my take on young kids wanting to start weightlifting. Just make sure they stick to a large rep count, about 12-15, and a lower set count, no more that 4 per exercise. And if you would like to, have a wholesome meal ready for them when they get home. Something that is full of lean protein and good carbs.
If you have any questions about training your youngster, or any about your training routine; feel free to e-mail me with anything you may be wondering!
Till next time,
Dave Latimer, AFAA CPT.
www.totalbodytoning.net
