children and strength training

leshawnturner

I have a question for you trainers or people with a lot of knowledge on the subject of kids and strength training. My 9 yr old niece is my workout partner. She's very active (she plays soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and wants to take up tennis this summer). She sees me lifting weights and she wants to do it too. I told her that she could use more than 3lbs, even though I know she's strong enough to lift more. I always watch her form and will stop and correct her so that she doesn't injure herself. I'm concerned about if I let her use heavier weights it could affect her growth plates (at least that's what I've always been told). Is that true?? Should I let her lift heavier?? What exercises can she do to help her increase her strength safely???

leshawnturner

I have a question for you trainers or people with a lot of knowledge on the subject of kids and strength training. My 9 yr old niece is my workout partner. She's very active (she plays soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and wants to take up tennis this summer). She sees me lifting weights and she wants to do it too. I told her that she could use more than 3lbs, even though I know she's strong enough to lift more. I always watch her form and will stop and correct her so that she doesn't injure herself. I'm concerned about if I let her use heavier weights it could affect her growth plates (at least that's what I've always been told). Is that true?? Should I let her lift heavier?? What exercises can she do to help her increase her strength safely???

mickie

I would talk to her pediatrician. I wouldn't go any heavier until you do and be careful.

jessmomof3

Let me just say that I am not an expert, but I lift weights and my girls love to join me. (ages 10, 7, & 5) They prefer the cardio and love to jump rope and other things. But... I got the Fit Kids DVD from Shaun T and Get Real DVD (they are Beachbody DVD's) and my 10yo loves them! He shows them how to do exercises and have fun!!

I personally feel that pushups and pullups are better choices for them rather than just lifting weights. My girls love to join my hubby & I doing pushups and pullups. It's just hard to make sure they are using good form and not injuring themselves with weights. I do have smaller weights (1, 2, and 5#)weights that they will use on occasion, but they lose interest pretty quickly in actually doing a *real* workout.

In my girls gym classes, they have to do 20 pushups and 20 sit-ups a day plus jumping jacks and other calisthenic type exercises, so I would say those are safer for them to do.

Good for you for being a good example to your niece! :flowerforyou:

duffyzmom

Definitely have someone talk to her doctor. My husband body builds and his belief has always been not until after puberty at the very earliest. If I recall seeing something on TV about it, it has everything to do with bone developement.