so I'm getting fit... can my 11 year old

aimeelouwhite

join in with 30 day shred.. .she kind of jumped in with my workout today and it was kinda cool. (minus the weights) Just thinking it would be cool for us to do it together - so would small weights be okay for her? She is a dancer so kinda fit anyway I think

cheetahcub2010

I say it's never to early to learn good exercise habits.

mamamc03

Hey I think it is great!! It will make such a difference in her life in the long run to do this with you now! She is at a stage where habits are formed. If exercise is one of them...then go you!! Just remind her she is beautiful and all things can be done in moderation. Good job mom!!

jakejacobsen

I don't believe prepubescence should use weights. I have had the discussion with my Dr and they said it could mess up their bone growth. MY OPINION I do let my kids work out just no weights other then their bodies

aimeelouwhite

I wondered if that might be a good compromise :-) She can still doe the exercises minus the weights. Think I might get us some zumba dvds too! I hadn't even thought of her joining me and usually work out while the kids are not around or in bed...or I just use the exercycle in the corner or trot after them on their scooters...needs to be all good for them too!

krissagirl0709

Lol my 4 and a half year old joins in with me and its so funny because once she told me "i had enough jillian for today" lol after like 3 minutes lol

emmab0902

I take my kids aged 13, 11, 9 and 7 for long walks and took the 11 year old up the peak this morning. We also just got a zumba dvd that they will all want to do. There are also heaps of incidental informal ways of getting fit with kids and the best part is it's usually free entertainment!

aimeelouwhite

I take my kids aged 13, 11, 9 and 7 for long walks and took the 11 year old up the peak this morning. We also just got a zumba dvd that they will all want to do. There are also heaps of incidental informal ways of getting fit with kids and the best part is it's usually free entertainment!

so true! My gosh Emma you look so young and you have 4 kids! - must be a healthy lifestyle that makes you look so great!~... what is your secret?

emmab0902

I take my kids aged 13, 11, 9 and 7 for long walks and took the 11 year old up the peak this morning. We also just got a zumba dvd that they will all want to do. There are also heaps of incidental informal ways of getting fit with kids and the best part is it's usually free entertainment!

so true! My gosh Emma you look so young and you have 4 kids! - must be a healthy lifestyle that makes you look so great!~... what is your secret?

Lol I wish I was young. I'm 41!

redefiningmyself

I don't believe prepubescence should use weights. I have had the discussion with my Dr and they said it could mess up their bone growth. MY OPINION I do let my kids work out just no weights other then their bodies

this is what my doctor says too. workouts for kids are great - but not with weights.

Kermit1976

My daughter is 10 and she works out at the personal trainer.. with me she does bike treadmill and weights.. after reading this post i went and looked on the net and found and read recommendations...i know i would not let my 7 year old to do it.. my daughter loves going to the PT.. she not only learning about fitness but health and learning about her body.. been the best thing
It is save as long as there are guide lines i have read different information on the internet and talked to the PT.. and we are happy with what she is doing...

i found this and seen it on several web pages
In the American College of Sports Medicine Certified News December 2000 physicians agreed that weight lifting for young children posed no risk for to their joints and growth plates when the weights were used appropriately. The National Strength and Conditioning Association also states that they believe there is no harm associated with using weight with children.

shickam062604

I don't believe prepubescence should use weights. I have had the discussion with my Dr and they said it could mess up their bone growth. MY OPINION I do let my kids work out just no weights other then their bodies

My son who is 5 likes todo shred with me. He uses 2 race car tracks as (pretend) weights. It motivates me even more when he participates.

Lozze

My son who is 5 likes todo shred with me. He uses 2 race car tracks as (pretend) weights. It motivates me even more when he participates

That is soooo cute!

I really don't see a need for an 11 year old to use weights. (unless prescribed by the doctor or they're an elite athlete. So very rare) For kids exercise shouldn't be to get fit or to lose weight it should be about fun. So riding a bike, going for a walk, playing sports should be how they get fit. Not going to the gym or a PT.

ebahde

I did a research paper on this a few years ago for my capstone. The opinions by doctors out there really varies, however most agree that extremely low weights (1lb, 2lb, 3lb) aren't typically harmful and if you really focus on teaching youths the proper technique it can be helpful in the future when they would be lifter heavier weights. At the place I was doing my internship at (what the capstone was based on) we did have a "strength training program" for the younger kids but the heaviest thing we allowed them to lift was doing "squats" w/ a PVC pipe that was filled with sand (this weighed about 4 pounds). Hope this helps!!!

aimeelouwhite

thanks for the responses. I'll let her join in without weights. Have also ordered some zumba dvds today which I know all 3 kids will love ! PROBABLY MORE THAN ME!

KayteeBear

Yeah, I agree about the weight part.

Anyway, I think it's great that your daughter wants to join. It's probably around the best age for that. It's much easier to help build healthy habits at a younger age. Especially when they're usually more enthusiastic about this stuff at a young age.

PBJunky

join in with 30 day shred.. .she kind of jumped in with my workout today and it was kinda cool. (minus the weights) Just thinking it would be cool for us to do it together - so would small weights be okay for her? She is a dancer so kinda fit anyway I think

As long as it is cardio-based/aerobic workouts then it is okay, strength training is not recommended for kids at a young age.