My 10 year old son wants a weight bench for Christmas. Is this too young to start weight training?

Question

What type of weight set would be good for a boy this age?

He is involved in sports. That's why he wants to start weight training.

Answer 1

I don't think that its too young, but you have to remember that his body is still growing and will respond differently to the challenges of weight lifting. The best kind of weight-training for a child that age is stretch bands and body-weight exercises.
Also, he's young...he should be getting his exercise by having fun with his friends and playing.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

The thing with weights is that it can become very addictive and a lot of the excercise is focused in the mind; pushing your endurance, and forcing yourself outside your comfort zones, The difficulty with this is judging when too much is too much when the excercise is all about doing that one extra lift, or push or whatever...

I did weights from a very young age, I excercised a lot and also did sports. I'm saying this because it was said to me and i refused to listen: 10 years old is much too young to start excercise.

it'll affect his height:- he won't grow as tall as genetics might have intended, this may have a permanent effect on his bones through density, and aching joints.

Whereas light excercise might be very good like moderate amounts of running, and swimming, and other aerobic excercises, too much of anything will be dangerous.

Answer 4

Unfortunately,he is rather too young to start with weights. Therefore you may have to put this gift on the Future Christmas Present List and forward to Santa for later consideration ;-)

He should be encouraged in his interest in fitness,so keep his attention on it for the next two to three years with a lot of sporting and fitness activities.His pediatrician should be informed of his desire for bodybuilding so that he can counsel your boy as he grows - and the idea of the doctor talking it over with him will make him feel totally grown up!

As a wink to the future, a VERY small,light pair of dumbells would be an appropriate gift.

Keep it real! :->

Answer 5

Oh no this is a bad idea! You are typically supposed to be 16 before lifting weights. He probably wants this to build muscles and look more like a MAN. But your job as a mom should be to reassure him that one day he will be able to do this type of exercise without hurting himself. When lifting weights at such a young age you can let him know that it will stunt his growth!

Answer 6

No he is not. The best thing would be to use a professional trainer. He should start off slowly and only workout every other day in the beginning. Never let him practice alone. There should always be someone with him to "spot" him. That means to be there to help him if he runs into trouble and needs help moving a weight.

Answer 7

Kid Weight Bench

Answer 8

I think its great that your son would be into weights. Its not a good idea to start him off heavy. He should start with very light weight. Any excersize for kids is good but not if it is going to hurt their growth and heavy weights can do that.

Answer 9

I think he's too young. He can get excersize from just being a kid. Just get him a basketball hoop or a soccer net. I think its better for kids his age to just get involved. He could also hurt himself trying to lift weights alone. If you do get him a weight bench you need to supervise him.

Answer 10

the whole growth stunting thing is old. Recent studies show its perfectly healthy. It does not stunt growth. Also there are 2 types of training. Low reps = strengh... high repetitions = endurance. Id recommend nothing below 10 reps for any exercise. Make your your kid stretches and he will be fine. Be sure he knows how to use everything safely.