How young is too young to start lifting weights?

[Blondie]

I plan on asking our pediatrician on Monday.

My 13 y.o. has expressed an interest in weight lifting and has already started with anything he can get his hands on! Can this be healthy for a 13 y.o.? I'm worried he'll interfere/damage the growing process or something!

 

[bsnyder]

Blondie, both my boys started about that age.

But I made sure they learned proper technique. Where is your son going to work out? Our local YMCA has trainers that teach the kids how to use weights properly.

 

[Blondie]

We have a brand new YMCA opening up not too far from my house and we plan on joining (I can't wait to start water aerobics!)

I'll also check with them to see what they recommend.

 

[Serena]

We had a weight room in our gym in highschool that all the kids were allowed to use, if that helps.

 

[browneyes]

It seems like I read when they reach adolescence, that's when they need to start lifting weights. However, my 7 yo has been lifting the 5-10 pound weights (doing little reps) for about 3 years now (off and on, he'll go through bouts of wanting to do his weights).

 

[Blondie]

Well, he's definitely in adolescence, what with all the hair growing on his legs and all the "peach fuzz" on his face!