Is this True?

[rabid hamster]

Hiya,

 

I want to get my Mom to exercise so she lives longer and healthier, and for a while she was planning to go to a gym to do weightlifting, running, etc but the problem is she can't speak English well. So, she said she'll go if I come with her so I can help her out with her English and everything... But I heard that if you weightlift before you are fully grown weightlifting can mess up your growth so you won't become as tall, etc. I'm 12 right now, so if I did try a little weightlifting once in a while(Maybe twice a week) would that effect my growth? I don't wanna stay short...

 

-Hiya

[Shaolin]

Hey Dude,

 

I am no expert but I suggest that you talk to your doctor about it and see what he says. I don't think there will be any trouble with some light lifting. Keep it light and fun and you'll have a big head start on all the other kids

 

Jim

 

 

 

_________________

 

 

Moy Yat Ving Tsun

 

Rest in peace dear teacher, dear friend, dear brother, and dear father: Moy Yat Sifu

 

[ This Message was edited by: Shaolin on 2002-03-16 23:32 ]

[Karateka]

You don't have to go to the gym to work out. Cardio at your age is also very important, it will help you out at your Martial Arts. I am assuming you are in one, correct? Anyway, just look at some other stuff. At this stage you have begun to grow, so therefore the muscles will expand greatly, but will not be as effective if you grow and exceed the muscle strength. Just take it easy, and go with your Mother.

 

 

[Jack]

If you went with your mother, perhaps you could translate what others say to her, but get one of the Instructors there to show her the movements. Failing that, show her yourself with some light weights - you may also find yourself benifitting this way

 

 

[steveking63]

Another idea may be to leanr some basic weigth exercises like bicep curls shoulder press and so on. You can show you mom the motion with no weigth. That would be good exercise for your motor skills. Your mom could then copy the movements with light weights. Get some advice from a qualified gym trainer, your mom my need to work on some aerobic and body conditioning stuff first.At your age of 12 I personally would not recommend using weights.

[YODA]

12 is the pefect age to start using weights - but do so under the guidence of a quaified instructor. Basic guideleines I would give you are...

 

Don't train to failure

 

Train in the 12-15 rep range per set

 

Stat with one set per exercise, 1 or 2 exercises per body part.

 

I'd say up to 40min twice per week would be a good guideline

 

Spend at lest the same time on cardio.

 

Take a good general multi-vitamin & mineral every day.

 

Drink plenty of water.

 

And don't forget the most important part - have fun! If it's not fun you won't stick with it.

 

 

 

 

[Joecooke007]

I think that you could give it another couple of years say until you're fourteen to weightlift serious weights. I'd say for now no squats jerks or benching. Dumbells are fine great as a matter of fact. The seated chin up machine is also a good choice.

 

 

[KickChick]

There are several threads within this H & F forum that will offer you some pros and cons of weightlifting at an early age. 12 seems to be a bit young for "serious" lifting. But you can begin to tone with light weights and low reps to get into the groove (so-to-speak) and offering your mom some companionship while training will be beneficial to both of you! I am sure there are trainers at the gym that can offer advice. A good cardio and weight program has been proven to add years to one's life!

 

 

[ad]

i wouldnt suggest it, im 14, and i am only wating until i am sixteen,

 

its just not worth taking the risk,

 

see if you could find the forum i set about this,

 

entitled, weight-lifting for under 16

 

 

[YODA]

I stand by what I said above. As a qualified fitness instructor I see people start at 12 all the time. They are trained in a special session at our gym, under supervision, to the guidelines I outlined above. It is a very easy going non-stressfull introduction to the use of weights. Theres' absoloutely no difference in letting a 100lb 12 year old do chest press with 40lbs than letting him/her do pushups.