Occasionally i go to the gym to work out before work, after i drop the kids off at the babysitters. My 10 yo son is very smart and some kids call him a nerd and make fun of his size (small) at school. lately he's been begging me to take him with me to the gym on Saturdays. he seems to think that working out will make him bigger and the kids won't pick on him anymore. i was just wondering if working out at such a young age could be harmful for his health?
2007-08-28 08:41:03 · 17 answers · asked by Trace 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Yes, it can be harmful to his health. A ten year old's bones aren't ready to support weights yet. On the other hand, there are new gyms designed for children cropping up around the country. I haven't been to one, but apparently they have much lighter weights and all the equipment is scaled down to a smaller size. Maybe try looking in the yellow pages or online to see if there is one in your area.
Alternatively, try involving him in sports. That option offers a well-balanced healthy option to becoming physically fit.
Good luck!
2007-08-28 08:46:31 · answer #1 · answered by January Love 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There can be some dangers if he does activities that he is not physically ready for, but there is nothing wrong with letting your son learn how to work out safely now. Make sure he does not do any heavy weight lifting. Other stuff is good too, running, playing basketball, or whatever.
The important thing is to teach him to respect his body, and that working out is not going to just make him bigger. It can help him tone the body he has and it will probably make him feel better about himself, but make sure he has realistic expectations. This can be a great bonding time for you and him, and what better way for him to learn a healthy lifestyle.
Make sure he is drinking tons of water and adding extra healthy calories to his diet! If he shows any signs of exhaustion, dehydration or pain, make him stop for that day. Good luck!
2007-08-28 08:52:42 · answer #2 · answered by Jess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heavy lifting will stunt growth and possibly damage his muscles. Light cardio would be fine, if not good for him. If being bullied is the problem, try some type of self defense class. this might give him the confidence in himself and the know how to defend himself. Where as lifting weights may do the first but not the second and could be harmful.
2007-08-28 08:53:41 · answer #3 · answered by elishatrask 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As others have pointed out, at 10 your son's bones aren't ready for heavy weight lifting, but pushups, chinups, situps, and squats (no weights) are fine. Unless he is obese, his arms, shoulders, and legs should be able to support his own weight without harm. Those exercises will all make him stronger, though he shouldn't expect any significant muscle mass buildup until he reaches puberty.
Also, it would't hurt for him to get in the habit of going to the gym. Once he reaches puberty, he will be ready to start lifting weights with the help of a trainer who works with kids and can show him proper form, techniques and a workout schedule so he can lift without hurting or over-exerting himself.
2007-08-28 08:52:55 · answer #4 · answered by obl_alive_and_well 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I heard it was bad for your growth. Especially if he hasn't really hit the spurts yet. If he wants to go to the gym, make sure he only does Aerobic and lean muscle workouts. Kids get that naturally when they play. If anything, it may build his confidence.
A more fun method is to find a boxing gym. I see a few kids every so often at some of the gyms I've gone to.
2007-08-28 08:47:34 · answer #5 · answered by Master C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
weight lifting at that age could be bad. It could stunt his growth- when you weight lift weights you tear the muscle they bulge when they are healing over is what I hear. Think about this, if someone has a heart condition it stunts their growth usually.
If your body is having to do more time healing at a young age then it cant focus on growing.
However going to the gym and doing cardio and heart healthy stuff is terrific and a great habit to start!
2007-08-30 08:18:45 · answer #6 · answered by Emily 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way!
The best thing to do though would be to take him to the gym and let an actual physical trainer help him so that he doesn't strain or try to do anything that is above his ability.
First thing though, is speak with his pediatrician. Maybe there are ways for him to gain a healthy weight without having to go to the gym with you after all.
2007-08-28 08:46:41 · answer #7 · answered by ♥LadyC♥ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It won't be harmful, just don't over do it. Have him do things that will build tone to his already small frame. Instead of using machines and lifting weights have him do things that use his own weight. Pushups, squat thrusts...etc. Make a goal with him to do pullups, all this will build his confidence and keep him happy and healthy.
2007-08-28 08:47:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Working out" by lifting heavy weights could be harmful to him but going to the gym with you and maybe doing some light cardio, swimming, playing racquetball, etc., could boost his self-esteem and give him quality time with you. Check with the gym staff and/or pediatrician to determine a good routine for him so he doesn't hurt himself. Good luck!
2007-08-28 08:46:12 · answer #9 · answered by Precious 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
working out when your young can cause you to stay short.
your muscles will get bigger, but you wont be growing tall-wise.
it happened to a lot of kids i know.
just tell your son to keep his head up,
the people who call him nerds are gonna live in trailers while he's gonna be smart and rich. tell him to ignore them, they're worthless.
2007-08-28 08:48:59 · answer #10 · answered by kayla n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋