Age limit for heavy lifting?

[cranny]

The wife and I have 2 boys ages 14 and 12. They're finally starting to show some interest in working out. They have always played around w/ cardio and a little strength training. Question is, at what age do guys recommend them training seriously. Just don't want to fuck up their growth plates. I've heard not to start them until around 16. Comments?

 

[Shepherd4]

Depends what you mean by training them "seriously." My understanding is that the real danger lies in subjecting young athletes to maximal loads -- that is, one rep maxes and VERY heavy training. Consider the impact on their legs from sprinting up and down a soccer field, or on their upper bodies from gymnastics. Approach it sensibly, and focus on fitness and good form for the time being, and they'll be fine.

mpc

"Think of Tiger Woods out there hitting a bucket of balls. He's not swinging the 5-iron to get stronger -- he's swinging it to hone the groove. Hone the groove."

 

[cranny]

By seriously I mean to gain some substantial strength. Moderate heavy weights, rep range around 8-10. I'm not planning on them entering powerlifting meets yet . I would like them to lift enough to see some results. Just don't want to go too far and risk their natural growing phase, perhaps after puberty.

 

[danbo]

i'd say 16 then.

 

[courtneybcca]

I started weight training when I was 13 or 14 but high reps like more than 20 and a weight that I could do all reps comfortably... I didn't start to lift heavy until I was 17

 

[musketeer]

I started at 14 with serious bodyweight exercises and laid a good foundation. The weights were intorduced at 15 and reps were very high - certainly never lower than 20 until I was 16. Then I still did moderate reps like 15, 12, 10. When I finished my third year of resistance training I introduced lower reps and became more interested in really adding mass and strength (age 17).

I was very healthy during this entire time, and felt more confident and got respect at school and grew to be two inches taller than my Dad who is 5'10" (so I dont believe that it stunted my growth).

I would reccomend that plenty of sports are played, and that weights should not really be the sole persuit of a teenager, rather the core of a diverse exercise program.

SWIMMING is terrific for any age, but will assist the teens in staying limber and maintain healthy joint function. 1 -1.5 miles a week split between 2 sessions should be enough.

 

[Dial_tone]

I say 14-15, nothing less than 8 reps. All they need to be concerned with is learning form and muscle control. I started at 14.

 

[cranny]

Appreciate the replies. Sounds good what everyone has said.

 

[Guinness5.0]

i started pretty heavy at 14 and I'm 6 feet tall, which is about right I suppose based on my family. I was doing squats, power cleans, and the like for as low as 5 reps and I highly doubt it caused me any ill effects.

 

[H_T_]

from my own personal experience: i started training when i was 12. nothing crazy, but i've never stopped, only one long layoff. i am about 2 inches shorter than my dad and other 2 brothers. i think that if they want to lift, it should be under supervision. and don't let them become obsessed with it. i know way too many guys who started lifting to help with sports and quit the athletics to become uninteresting meatheads.