Does anyone's elementary school child workout at a gym? - Do weights?

[Anonymous]

My 8 year old Son announced he wants to do weight training (his words: use weights), I almost fell over. A male Friend said it might be a good idea, it will help him gain strength in sports. I annoy afford a personal coach.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it's recommended for someone that young. I know my gym's weight room is for age 11 and up. My middle schoolers have learned some weight lifting in 7th grade P.E.

If he really wants to do some, stick with nothing heavier than 5 lbs. which he might actually find pretty heavy. You don't want him damaging some soft tissues because he tried to lift something he wasn't strong enough to lift.

[Anonymous]

Just say no. I'd tell him to use isometrics.

[Anonymous]

Ditto. I would ask your doctor, but I think I know what the answer is. He could do some squats, lunges, pushups, planks, etc.

[Anonymous]

My 9YO uses weights. I'd recommend supervision, but it's OK as long as they don't over do it.

[Anonymous]

No it's stunts their growth.

[Anonymous]

No! Too young.

What kind of muscles does he want to build? Upper body strength? Sign him up for gymnastics. Bigger leg muscles? Try soccer.

[Anonymous]

No handheld weights until 14. He can do bodyweight exercises now, though.

[Anonymous]

You could just buy some 3 lb dumbells for home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No handheld weights until 14. He can do bodyweight exercises now, though.

Yes, I would suggest this. Push ups, pull ups (if you have a place), squats, sit ups, planks, etc.

[Anonymous]

+1 for bodyweight exercises. My gym doesn't allow anyone under 14 in the main exercise rooms.

[Anonymous]

My 8 yo likes to work out with me at home. He talks about wanting to use weights and build muscles but it just as happy with basic ab excercises, a few push ups etc. We got him a yoga ball for Christmas and he loves it. He mostly planks on it. A lot of his friends talk about getting big but they are not very serious.

[Anonymous]

no. I think putting a heavy book bag on their bag and walk very fast/run will do a better job. I think that's also called hiking with a back pack.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No it's stunts their growth.

This research has been discredited.

[Anonymous]

Listen to the PPs saying to wait.
Friend's son, around the age of your son, is a good athlete and wanted to build up strength but his doctor said absolutely no weights until son was older because weights can stress bones if done too young, plus, doctor said kids often don't really listen to directions and don't use weights correctly if they start too young or do it all on their own using a parent's free weights at home. That can result in pulled muscles, stressed joints, etc.
Weights can wait until your son is older, has grown more, and is able to learn how to do them correctly at a gym with a trainer for a few sessions.