10.5 year-old wants to lift weights

[Anonymous]

Man, tween says he wants to work out and lift weights and you guys jump down mom’s throat saying it’s unhealthy. Fast forward a few years, the kid is overweight and sedentary and you all are ragging on mom, telling her to get him to the gym.

[Anonymous]

Body weight exercises and light weights are fine. He needs to eat enough so he keeps growing. He shouldn’t overdo it and get overuse injuries while he’s still growing. I’d do push ups, crunches, pull ups, squats, lunges, planks. And if he really wants , low reps of light 5lb weights for biceps. Don’t listen to the trolls who think this is unhealthy, but that 7 soccer games in a weekend somehow is. Good for your kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Extremely unhealthy behavior.

How do you feel about travel sports? Way more wear and tear on a growing body than lifting some 3lb weights a few times a week.

[Anonymous]

I work out in our basement and lift weights (mom here.). My 7 year old comes down and sometimes does what I am doing with 2/3 lbs weights. Seems normal to me/. My 12/13 year old took weight training classes. He is not interested anymore at 14.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's fine. Be sure he eats enough protein to repair his body.

Bodyweight exercises are more advanced depending on the exercise. Weights allow many movements with lesser weight than using your bodyweight, if he isn't strong enough to do many pullups, etc.

This. I'd also highly recommend getting him started on Creatine supplements, too.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the others. Body weight only. And nothing wrong with establishing good eating habits and exercise routine early.

[Anonymous]

Wow, surprised at some of these replies. I don't think OP is saying their 10.5 year old kid wants to start doing 200 lb squats or dead lifts.

Our 11 year old started doing some casual strength training last year to help with some of his sports interests (swim strokes for example). The weights he uses are not significant and he learned proper form first. Some weeks he does it 3-4 times, some weeks not at all. I wouldn't discourage it, I would support it - but make sure he learns proper technique and focuses on more reps and less on heavy weights.

Here's an article on the topic, but YMMV
https://www.verywellfit.com/a-weight-training-workout-for-children-3498516

Here's an excerpt that I am sure will send some of you off a cliff...
"Optimal Age to Begin Strength Training
Weight training is appropriate once a child can maintain balance and postural control and can listen to and follow directions. This is usually around age 7 or 8 but it depends on your child's maturity level.

Although children under 10 years may develop strength from training with weights, adolescents ranging in age from 10 to 15 are usually the group most interested. Your child should also be eager to train and be prepared to train multiple times per week.

Strength training for kids is not weightlifting, powerlifting, or bodybuilding in their purest forms, which are aimed at competition. These distinctions should be clear to parents, trainers, and children."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's fine. Be sure he eats enough protein to repair his body.

Bodyweight exercises are more advanced depending on the exercise. Weights allow many movements with lesser weight than using your bodyweight, if he isn't strong enough to do many pullups, etc.

This. I'd also highly recommend getting him started on Creatine supplements, too.

creatine at that age is just wasted money.

Protein supplement (WITHOUT sucralose, stevia, or other toxic sweeteners) and basic multivitamin is all that's needed.