My 10 year old son wants a weight bench for Christmas. Is this too young to start weight training?
914659
I don't think that its too young, but you have to remember that his body is still growing and will respond differently to the challenges of weight lifting.  The best kind of weight-training for a child that age is stretch bands and body-weight exercises.  \nAlso, he's young...he should be getting his exercise by having fun with his friends and playing.
677361
I think that they kits you can buy at Target or Wal-Mart where you can impring their hands or feet is alway nice. If you're the God mother a cross or crucifix for his room would be nice and a safe route to go, or to give in addition to one of these other gifts is a savings bond.  Try also getting a nice blanket embroidered with his name on it.
868400
My son is 11 and this is what we've gotten him so far....a mountain bike (we live in the forest), a really cool robotic spider that shoots darts ($100), a big set of Magnetix with the metal carrying case. Those are the big things, but we're also getting him some Tech Decks (the boys here are into those), some games for his game system, and a couple other things.\n\nI know this has been the most difficult Christmas figuring out what to buy a boy his age. He's too old for young toys and too young for adult things. I hope these ideas help some. Of course, I don't know your son so I can't for certain he'd like these things as well.\n\nHappy gift hunting!
409207
kids can lift at any age,, just not to heavy in the younger years so not to stunt or affect their bone growth,, just what ever is comfy,, but lifting in the younger years, under 13 won't do much because their muscles are growing everyday so the added use doesn't do much,, at around 13 or 14 is when the muscles start accepting added stimuli and are able to take on the extra use for growth,, i would advise against pushing younger kids into weights until their body is ready ,, just keep them physically active until they are in the early teens as to keep the body fat down and their meatbolism high,, that is one problem with kids now a days,, to much time in front of the tv playing games,, leads to obesity
206874
the weight bench and everything that goes with it
750909
if your a beginner you really should start on the machines to build up your strength first. at least for 2-3weeks.
327735
there are so many different exercises for the different muscle groups of your body. but i'm assuming (cuz you're a 7th grade boy) you want to work out your chest and arms and stomach. am i right?\nwell anyway the gym is pretty failsafe...it has so many different machines. push ups are good, so are situps, crunches, that sort of thing. running is good for leg workouts and to build stamina. swimming is a whole body workout, and also fun! =)\ni would recommend weights to build arm strength. curls, bench press, that kind of thing. go with your dad or something. that's what i did.
393965
I'm pretty good (for a 10 year old boy)
830592
there are tons of craft bazaars going on this time of year.  maybe bake some treats and sell them.  trust me, at 1.5 years old they still don't get christmas.  even if he only has 3-4 small things to open he'll be thrilled!!!  good luck!
16639
I'd suggest talking with your child's doctor about this if possible.  He's still developing, so actually lifting weights could be dangerous.\n\nHowever, getting him into youth sports may be a good alternative if weightlifting isn't a good idea.  He can build muscle and learn teamwork at the same time.
1067817
That's a good guess.  I say since he is around 530lbs, he should do at least 600lbs. \n\nIf a man can't do at least his own weight, then he either has too much fat, or too little muscle or a combination of the two.  I can do 20% more than my weight and I'm just average, I don't lift weights much.  Shaq has gainned a little fat, but he still has lots of muscle, so I would also guess he has a 600lb bench press.
697698
no. usually after the age of 12 you can start with 5 or 10 pound dumbells. A person usually stops growing anyway at the age of 18-20.
376622
Beginning a weight training program at any age is a good idea! The benefits are too numerous to name here, but your quality of life can definitely be improved.\nMuscle size and body shape has more to do with genetics than age, so keep that in mind when setting goals.\nGood Luck!
586405
That's becoming a problem now, finding a gym that does more gymnastics than cheerleading.  My best advice to you is to search the yellow pages, and then go check each gym out in person.  Checking each one out is the absolute best way to determine a gym's focus.  Make sure to meet the coach that your child will have, and make sure her priorities are the same as the gym.  Also, as a side bit of information, if your daughter does do cheerleading at any time, do not allow her to tumble on the hard wood floor.  I've been a gymnast for 10 years and a coach for 2, and I've seen way too many of our girls come in injured from cheerleading. I myself did cheerleading for 1 year, and I sucessfully blew out my knee and did serious damage to my ankle doing Round-offs, or round-off back handsprings.  Easy tricks, compared to what I do in the gym, but they still put me out of competition, and I may never be able to return.  So, I urge you to share that with your daughter if she ever decides to cheer.  Hope I helped!
244989
Although your son is large for his age, most experts recommend against heavy weight training.  His body, especially his bones are still developing.\n\nI would consult his doctor first, then speak with a certified trainer.
1133928
get him in a sunday league side there are scouts at all junior league pitches if he is good enough he will get picked up by a club,also try these half term training sessions which most pro clubs have ususlly about 30 to 40 pound for 5 days and he will get seen there good luck
701279
at 15, he probably wouldn't use a gym, or he'd be using the one at school already.  He is likely embarrassed by his appearance and doesn't want to work out in a group setting like a gym.  Ultimately, you can't help him, he has to work this out for himself.  You can encourage him by inviting him to go for long walks, or if he will wear swim trunks, to go swimming.  Keep encourageing him to join you in cardio type activities, like bowling, walking, horseback riding, skate boarding, roller skating, that sort of thing.  Do not refer to his weight again, or you will drive a wedge between you when he probably needs a freind most.  But remember, you can do nothing to change him, he has to want to do that for himself.