Weight lifting-how young is too young?

SemperAnticus1643
SemperAnticus1643 Posts: 703 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My 10 year old daughter loves to follow in my and her dad's footsteps. If we are running, she wants to run. If we are eating healthier, she wants to eat healthier. We are now lifting....now she wants to lift too. Would it hurt her in any way to lift with us?

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Here's what the Mayo clinic say......

    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/strength-training/HQ01010

    Strength training for kids (much like distance running) seems to be a contentious issue but there seems to be a growing body of research that suggests when approached conservatively the benefits are tangible and the risks nominal.
  • stumblinthrulife
    stumblinthrulife Posts: 2,558 Member
    I think that as part of a rounded exercise regime, and as long as it's not done with excessive intensity, it should be fine.

    My six year old girl likes to lift her little pink and purple dumbbells and do calisthenics when I workout.

    32611386_239.jpg

    My 12 year old step-son will be doing couch to 5k this year, and I'll probably get him on some weights and calisthenics also.
  • ChrisLindsay9
    ChrisLindsay9 Posts: 837 Member
    I think there is a strong consensus that bodyweight exercises are fine for children (who are using proper form/technique). Maybe you can get some 1lb or 2lb. dumbbells for them after they have proven that they have the focus, motivation, and understanding in how to do weight training exercises?

    Anecdotally, it seems like it's usually not the amount of weight that causes physical issues for young kids, but poor form and inattention to detail - that can cause an injury.

    It might be nice to make sure kids know about proper hydration before and during a workout, as well as post-workout nutrition - but that's my editorializing here. I think if kids understand to take it seriously, then they will minimize injury and maximize their physical capabilities.

    Good luck!

    Edit: If she really takes to it, you might be able to find some very lightweight barbell/dumbbell equipment that I have seen in various physical rehab centers, and purchase them as well?
  • SemperAnticus1643
    SemperAnticus1643 Posts: 703 Member
    I think that as part of a rounded exercise regime, and as long as it's not done with excessive intensity, it should be fine.

    My six year old girl likes to lift her little pink and purple dumbbells and do calisthenics when I workout.

    32611386_239.jpg

    My 12 year old step-son will be doing couch to 5k this year, and I'll probably get him on some weights and calisthenics also.

    My 10 year old and I ran the Color Me Rad 5k earlier this month. My 7 year old has decided she is going to run the next 5k with us. I would think that active kids run a minimum of a 5k anyway without knowing it, just not straight through. Mine probably do anyway, they come in when the street lights come on which is around 9 pm during the summer. They are constantly on the go and play soccer and softball on a regular basis.
  • SemperAnticus1643
    SemperAnticus1643 Posts: 703 Member
    I think there is a strong consensus that bodyweight exercises are fine for children (who are using proper form/technique). Maybe you can get some 1lb or 2lb. dumbbells for them after they have proven that they have the focus, motivation, and understanding in how to do weight training exercises?

    Anecdotally, it seems like it's usually not the amount of weight that causes physical issues for young kids, but poor form and inattention to detail - that can cause an injury.

    It might be nice to make sure kids know about proper hydration before and during a workout, as well as post-workout nutrition - but that's my editorializing here. I think if kids understand to take it seriously, then they will minimize injury and maximize their physical capabilities.

    Edit: If she really takes to it, you might be able to find some very lightweight barbell/dumbbell equipment that I have seen in various physical rehab centers, and purchase them as well?

    My daughter is pretty strong. To the point that she can easily knock out 5-10 pullups, that is before she starts giggling too much. She is also a 5 foot, 90 lb 10 year old. She can run for miles and is like "she-hulk". :)
  • keepongoingnmw
    keepongoingnmw Posts: 371 Member
    Like others have said...keep the weights on the lighter side, and try and teach form. Kids who do sports like gymnastics do bodyweight exercises, though I have not been able to get 1 of my four kids to do a proper pushup =P.
  • pspetralia
    pspetralia Posts: 963 Member
    The PT that works in my classroom said that light weights could be started at 10 or 11. Since kids are still developing you need to be really careful on form. Body weight exercises are also good.
  • DragonSquatter
    DragonSquatter Posts: 957 Member
    There are youth weightlifting classes that she might enjoy. You can look around and see if any local gyms or YMCA might have anything available.
  • SemperAnticus1643
    SemperAnticus1643 Posts: 703 Member
    There are youth weightlifting classes that she might enjoy. You can look around and see if any local gyms or YMCA might have anything available.

    We just cancelled our membership and their kidfit classes were at 4:30. Too early for me to get her (them) there. We just bought a weight bench and 400 lbs of weight for our home gym.
  • DragonSquatter
    DragonSquatter Posts: 957 Member
    There are youth weightlifting classes that she might enjoy. You can look around and see if any local gyms or YMCA might have anything available.

    We just cancelled our membership and their kidfit classes were at 4:30. Too early for me to get her (them) there. We just bought a weight bench and 400 lbs of weight for our home gym.

    Ah I see.

    I agree with others that teaching her proper form with very light weight is a great way to start her out.
  • BeachIron
    BeachIron Posts: 6,490 Member
    That shouldn't be a problem at all. My 7 y.o. jogs a bit with me and strength trains in connection with her MMA classes. There is nothing wrong with kids growing up strong.

    Just make sure she's learning proper form and is well supervised.
  • SemperAnticus1643
    SemperAnticus1643 Posts: 703 Member
    That shouldn't be a problem at all. My 7 y.o. jogs a bit with me and strength trains in connection with her MMA classes. There is nothing wrong with kids growing up strong.

    Just make sure she's learning proper form and is well supervised.

    AHHH...martial arts...her dad and I both come from martial arts backgrounds.
  • phjorg1
    phjorg1 Posts: 642 Member
    done properly lifting is fine. Even going heavy is perfectly fine.

    I don't get people who say things like 'don't go heavy, as long as it's light it's fine'. But then in the next breath saying bodyweight exercises and impact sports like football are also fine. Ok, wtf? Resistance is resistance. If you're doing high intensity barbell squats, or doing bodyweight pistol squats, it's the SAME EFFING THING to your body. You're doing maximal load movements. Seriously people, think here. It's the same logic you're using as what women do saying they don't wan to lift weights more than 3lbs, and then carry their 30lbs child around all day, because thats 'different' weight somehow. Give me a break.

    If lifting heavy is bad for you, then imagine what 2 people smashing into each other at speed must be during a game like football. the psi ratings on limbs and joints are FAR higher in those situations...

    edit: goes without saying form is critical. But thats not a child specific thing. Thats an everyone thing.
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    With proper supervision, there shouldn't be any issue. I know YMCAs have teen weight lifting classes that teach kids about using the machines and stuff. But, I do believe they have to be at least 13 years old.

    I honestly see no issue with it as long as it is done under supervision, and she starts out light to develop good form.
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    I don't know why there's so much concern over children and exercise. Think back to pre-20th century when kids worked the farm with their father and farm work is no joke, especially back then. The kids grew-up and developed just fine. Even thinking back to when I was a kid and those baseball bats felt pretty heavy at one time but eventually they got lighter. Riding a bike up a hill was tough for a while but eventually it got easier. Weight lifting is no different, it's just more specific. The key to all this is teaching kids to exercise correctly, teach mobility, and teach good eating habits.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I'm with others, I think where things go wrong is not practicing proper form and an inattention to detail and all around failure to take things seriously at young ages. My dad and grandpa worked with me as a kid, primarily with body weight stuff; once my dad felt I was ready, he introduced me to a very basic barbell routine...I think I was 12 or 13. I did that all the way through until I got to high school and started playing football. My routine didn't change much at that point, but I did introduce more isolation stuff...but still, those basic barbell lifts (compound stuff) was and always will be the core of any routine I do.

    As for a proper age, not sure when that is...probably different for everyone...whenever they can take it seriously and understand that it's not really a game and you can get hurt if you're not paying attention.
  • MisterDerpington
    MisterDerpington Posts: 604 Member
    Weightlifting is fine for children. Want to know why Russia and other countries in that area do so well in Weightlifting at the Olympics? It's just like any other sport. They have a culture where young children are interested in the sport. Stress the importance of good form, but there's nothing wrong with kids who are intelligent enough to understand how to properly lift to do it.
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    I'm with others, I think where things go wrong is not practicing proper form and an inattention to detail and all around failure to take things seriously at young ages. My dad and grandpa worked with me as a kid, primarily with body weight stuff; once my dad felt I was ready, he introduced me to a very basic barbell routine...I think I was 12 or 13. I did that all the way through until I got to high school and started playing football. My routine didn't change much at that point, but I did introduce more isolation stuff...but still, those basic barbell lifts (compound stuff) was and always will be the core of any routine I do.

    As for a proper age, not sure when that is...probably different for everyone...whenever they can take it seriously and understand that it's not really a game and you can get hurt if you're not paying attention.

    That's cool. One of my good friend's dad worked with him as a kid too. When he was 12 he could deadlift over 225lbs.
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    Weightlifting is fine for children. Want to know why Russia and other countries in that area do so well in Weightlifting at the Olympics? It's just like any other sport. They have a culture where young children are interested in the sport. Stress the importance of good form, but there's nothing wrong with kids who are intelligent enough to understand how to properly lift to do it.

    I wish MFP had a "Like" button.

    /Like
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    It's fine. Here's a guideline:

    http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/strength-training-for-kids

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
    my kids' dr said age 10.
  • phjorg1
    phjorg1 Posts: 642 Member
    my kids' dr said age 10.
    and what happens if a 9 year old lifts then?
  • smantha32
    smantha32 Posts: 6,990 Member
    You tube video of a 6 year old competitive bodybuilder.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwCqYOqR1Sk
  • MisterDerpington
    MisterDerpington Posts: 604 Member
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt61NHhoefo

    This 6 year old kid has better form than I can achieve. lol
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    my kids' dr said age 10.

    What's I've seen from GP's (pediatric or adult) is that they know people should exercise but they don't really know how or what. They pretend to know but they really don't.
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    my kids' dr said age 10.
    and what happens if a 9 year old lifts then?

    Ever see the Family Guy episode where Stewie starts weight lifting? That's what happens. LOL
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I'm with others, I think where things go wrong is not practicing proper form and an inattention to detail and all around failure to take things seriously at young ages. My dad and grandpa worked with me as a kid, primarily with body weight stuff; once my dad felt I was ready, he introduced me to a very basic barbell routine...I think I was 12 or 13. I did that all the way through until I got to high school and started playing football. My routine didn't change much at that point, but I did introduce more isolation stuff...but still, those basic barbell lifts (compound stuff) was and always will be the core of any routine I do.

    As for a proper age, not sure when that is...probably different for everyone...whenever they can take it seriously and understand that it's not really a game and you can get hurt if you're not paying attention.

    That's cool. One of my good friend's dad worked with him as a kid too. When he was 12 he could deadlift over 225lbs.

    I just wished I would have kept up with it all...I got pretty ripped when I was in the military, but got really lazy when I got out...I really let myself go these last 15 years or so. Slowly but surely I'm getting it back, but I can't help but wonder where I'd be right now if I would have stuck with things.
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    I'm with others, I think where things go wrong is not practicing proper form and an inattention to detail and all around failure to take things seriously at young ages. My dad and grandpa worked with me as a kid, primarily with body weight stuff; once my dad felt I was ready, he introduced me to a very basic barbell routine...I think I was 12 or 13. I did that all the way through until I got to high school and started playing football. My routine didn't change much at that point, but I did introduce more isolation stuff...but still, those basic barbell lifts (compound stuff) was and always will be the core of any routine I do.

    As for a proper age, not sure when that is...probably different for everyone...whenever they can take it seriously and understand that it's not really a game and you can get hurt if you're not paying attention.

    That's cool. One of my good friend's dad worked with him as a kid too. When he was 12 he could deadlift over 225lbs.

    I just wished I would have kept up with it all...I got pretty ripped when I was in the military, but got really lazy when I got out...I really let myself go these last 15 years or so. Slowly but surely I'm getting it back, but I can't help but wonder where I'd be right now if I would have stuck with things.

    I hear ya'. I just wish I had the kind of information available to me now when I was a kid when I started lifting. If I were 12 again armed with the 5/3/1 or even StrongLifts 5x5 guide, I would've been a friggin beast on the baseball field. LOL

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