MY SON IS WEIGHT TRAINING
Hi Finola,
My son is 14 and wants to start weight training. He wants to order weights such as dumbbells to use at home. I’m afraid he is too young to start using weights and that it is dangerous. I heard it is dangerous for someone that young. Is he too young and is it dangerous?
Thanks in advance,
Mary
Hi Mary,
Firstly, weight training/resistance or strength training is safe for all age groups to increase muscle strength, improve bone strength, improve fitness and from a sporting point of view reduce the risk of injuries. A myth of weight training that is still circulating is that strength training is unsafe and will stunt children’s growth. Injuries from using weights are quite rare if done correctly.
Strength training is a safe form of exercise, important factors are to ensure good technique and to gradually increase the weight that your son is using. So for a beginner, we would recommend mainly starting with bodyweight exercises, with a mix of exercises that target all the major muscle groups. Once this is accomplished then it would be beneficial to add resistance using some weights such as dumbbells / kettlebells etc.
Strength training can start from a young age, exercises such as a squat and push up are good examples. As they progress in strength training it is a natural progression to increase resistance using dumbbells etc. Strength training will help the long term athletic development of your son and should be encouraged. Guidance to aid optimal technique from a professional in the area might be something to consider.
In conclusion, if your son has good muscular strength from a young age he will more than likely carry this through to adulthood. So you are also promoting future health benefits and promoting healthy habits from a young age. The benefits of improved health, increased muscle and bone strength as well as improved mood, which in this time is particularly important.
If you require any more guidance in this area, feel free to contact us.
Kind Regards,
Finola