Conference 7.286::sports_90

   My son turns twelve in a couple weeks.
   Very involved in athletics.
   About 5'1" 105 lbs.

   I've always discouraged the idea when he asked in the past. I don't
   think it's a good idea.

   The next time he asks ( I'M not going to suggest it ), I plan on
   checking into it. I think he has enough of a musculature now that some
   weight training would probably be of benefit; but I plan on talking to
   one or more physical therapists to see what the thinking is on the
   subject, and even then I'd probably be more inclined to recommend the
   type of program designed for strength and stamina, rather than bulk or
   muscle building.

   As far as seven and five year olds go, my vote is: definitely a BAD
   idea. Too much chance for damage, against very little return.

   Mike JN

Let the kids do all the Pullups, Situps and Pushups they can possibly do. 

The weights even the light ones are not good for a growing body. At age 13 is
when the body starts to add muscle mass and can benefit from the light weights. 

Jeff 

    My son started asking when he was in 5th or 6th grade.  Everyone we
    contacted *strongly discouraged* weight training until his adolescent
    growth spurt was complete - around 9th or 10th grade.  Even then, what
    he's been instructed to go for is lots of reps and lighter weights, to
    build stamina and improve conditioning as a way of preventing injury.
    
    A&W

The Flex conference may be the best place to ask this question.

There are some REALLY KNOWLEDGEABLE fitness buffs in there

    Buy them a complete set of weights, build a lap pool, and get a
    lifetime supply of steroids and tell them it's a new cerial.  When they
    turn 10, contact Lou Holtz an Notre Dame.  
    
    
    
    That was just for you, JD. ;-)
    
    Seriosly, from what I've heard and experienced, the male muscular frame
    does not have the capabilities of developing to its potential until the
    boy reaches puberty anyway.  
    
    This is supported by many of my swimming buddies from long ago.  At
    ages 8-12, most of us were like rods and weighed anywhere from 75-100
    pounds.  We all had water-bug-type qualities in the pool, i.e. no
    weight to pull along.  We were very quick.  
    
    Then I noticed as we reached that lovely time in a boys life called
    puberty where you discover that first hair also means discovering that
    first pimple, that our muscular frames started developing.  But we were
    doing nothing out of the ordinary, just our daily swimming practice.
    
    Not only is it not a good idea health-wise, weights probably won't do a
    damn thing to your boys' muscle growth.  If they could, I'm sure by now
    we'd have seen little Terminators all over and there would probably be
    a Mr. Mighty Might USA tournament.
    
    	--dan'l

    	Kids shouldn't start until they are at least 16, preferably
    18.  You have to stop growing before developing what you got.
    
    				/Don

>   You have to stop growing before developing what you got.
    
    Could I use this as an excuse for not exercising?  I'm still growing...
    out!
    
    ML

    RE: 7
    
    I can just picture that on my gym T Shirt! ;^)
    
    Jo

I like the saying on this tank top I've got....


Front:

		Eat Right
		Get Plenty of Sleep
		Drink a Lot of Fluids

Back:

		Go Like HELL!

'Saw

    
    	I've always heard that lifting weights while still growing
    stunts growth, I think speed is more important than size at an
    early age.
    
    	What node is flex on?
    
    
    Vinny