Kids body building

Should children under the age of thirteen train with weights? Learn the truth and get a free program to follow...Should children under the age of thirteen train with weights? It really depends on who you listen to, as the fitness community seem to be divided on this issue. Many say that pre-pubescent children should not engage in weight-training as it may cause pre-mature bone fusion (epiphyseal fusion), and, as a result, irreversibly stunt growth. It is also thought that, hormonally, and structurally, children's physiologies are not suited the stresses of a weight program. Much of the above might be true, if children are subjected to the same high-intensity programs adults tend to engage in. However, the real issue is how one defines a weight program for the purposes of a child. Of course, maximal weights carried to failure, and the addition of supersets and other high intensity strategies, would probably spell disaster for any child undergoing a weight-training regime. "Heavy lifting can put too much strain on young muscles, tendons and growth plates, especially when proper technique is sacrificed in favor of lifting larger amounts of weight," ...says Edward Laskowski, M.D., a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. It would be much more sensible to, instead, focus on formulating a specific strength training program for the child, rather than focusing on anything even remotely connected to weight-lifting, bodybuilding or power-lifting. These specialized training systems can be used under correct observation once a child has reached puberty, and has developed a reasonable strength base - indeed, the focus should be on lighter weights and controlled movements, with a special emphasis on proper technique and safety. Is Weight-Training Safe For Children? According to both the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), prepubescent children can safely engage in resistance training, with certain limitations. These bodies have issued guidelines on childhood strength training.