The other day a woman asked me why both my girls (14/15) are in the gym so much, I guess she noticed them a few times over the past couple of weeks. She asked me if I thought it was a good idea that they were un-supervised in the weight room, AND — did I think they were really old enough to lift free weights and suggested that machines might be a safer way to go.
First (very politely) I said that my little pumpkins have been in the gym for the past 2+ years…and their form is better than most certified trainers. So while it’s true, daddy’s not always watching — I don’t need to be.
I’m pretty sure this woman was full of good intentions, but she kinda rubbed me the wrong way to say the least. I had to reply to her “machines might be safer than free weights” comment as well. Once again, I replied (semi-politely) with, “my girls learned how to groove perfect movement patterns without weight so they could perform perfect movement patterns with weights or any other form of resistance…does that make sense?” I couldn’t tell if she got it or not as it was hard to see past the glaze in her eyes — and I’m sure by this point she thought I was nuts.
So when is “too young” to start lifting? And should a beginner use free weights or machines. A kid is ready when she asks and shows interest…the “secret” is to make sure she starts by first grooving the proper movement patterns regardless of age. Teach them how to do a pull-up, a push-up and PLEASE, make sure they know how to squat. When your son wants to lift for football and he’s 10, don’t say no, tell him yes! How cool would it be to have kids by the time they’re in middle school be physically prepared to do more than just play video games. Better yet, to help minimize the incidence of injury and lay the foundation for a lifetime of physical endeavors.
The beginner (at any age) should first use his or her own body weight and forget the free weight vs machines thing for now. In another series we’ll discuss body weight exercises and what you can do at home that will take anyone to the next level.
G’nite
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