My cousin is doing weights?

Question

My 13 year old cousin started doing weights he doesn't do heavy ones there about 5KG(dumbbells) will this be fit for him and not doing damage to his body or stop him from growing? hes about 160cm tall? and weigh about 56KG? please help.

he watches workout videos on www.expertvillage.com on how to lift weights(dumbbells) the right way.
is that alright?

Answer 1

It's a myth that lifting weights when young stunts growth. There is absolutely no scientific evidence to support this and for some reason it has become a popular belief. There are many examples of successful athletes who started very young with no health issues resulting from weight lifting.

What he should be doing is working out with an experienced adult so he can learn how to lift correctly to avoid injury. Lifting with other teens doesn't count.

Answer 2

He should be all right to lift weights. But you need to make sure that he has a competent coach, trainer or someone who can make him a program, show him how to do the exercises correctly. This person should not be his 13 year old friend. It should also not be a muscle magazine. The place they lift should have adult supervision. He will get better results this way also, and less chance of injury. Also a good role model makes a kid less likely to do steroids later. You should encourage him in this healthy productive hobby.

Answer 3

I usually encourage people your cousin's age to do bodyweight exercize. In fact, I think bodyweight exercizes are better than most free weight exercizes (which are far superior to silly, useless machines). Some great exercizes include:

1. Pull-Ups - this is the number one upper body developement exercize. It is equal to the deadlift for back development. It also works strong shoulders and arms. There are enough variations of the pull-up that he will never get tired of it. After a few weeks, he will be up to 15; after a few months he will be up to 30. I recommend 8 sets of 8 pull-ups.

2. Hindu Squats are great for leg development.

3. Push-ups for the arms and chest. A good routine is 25 regular push-ups, 25 clapping push-ups (when you push up hard enough to clap your hands in mid-air), and 25 push-ups on his finger tips.

4. Rope Climbing is perfect for developing all muscles.

5. Bar Dips - Great for arms, chest and abs.

There are plenty of other excellent bodyweight exercizes, but this should be enough to keep him busy.

Answer 4

The only damaging exercise if you're concern about growth is squats. Tell him to do push ups, chin ups, etc. Such exercise won't gonna interfere with growth.

Answer 5

That weight won't do the tiniest bit of damage, it is very low. I would encourage it.