How Young Can Kids Start Training?

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

There exists a lot of controversy over how young children should be before they start exercising. Most experts say that no heavy weights should be lifted before the onset of puberty, as it could adversely affect their growth and cause internal damage.

With that being said, however, consider a pre-teen gymnast that can walk on her hands for 50 feet. She's supporting her own bodyweight of probably 50-60 pounds, roughly the equivalent of doing standing shoulder presses with a 60 pound barbell, and yet she'll develop just fine, but with a distinct athletic advantage over others throughout her entire life.

I've trained thousands of kids over the years for ever sport conceivable, and my personal belief is to start them young and make it fun. As they mature they'll learn the discipline and proper mindset to make it part of their lifestyle. As far as lifting weights, it's all about perfect form and technique and keeping their repetitions at about 70% of their 1 rep max or less.

Agree or disagree, one thing is for sure; kids today need a lot more exercise, and most importantly, they need to see Mom and Dad getting off their butts and working out regularly and intensely, setting a good example.

Post your thoughts: I'd love to hear some feedback on this one. In the meantime, enjoy this fascinating video of one mans quest to make his kids the strongest in the world.

Live With Passion,

Roy

www.youtube.com/watch

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Workout Of The Day
"Lung Implosion"
Deadlifts 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 supersetted with
Burpees  1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10
Performed ladder style as follows: 10 deadlifts-1 burpee, 9 deadlifts-2 burpees, 8 DL-3 Burps, etc until you finish both ladders.