9 Reasons Young Kids Need to be Careful With Lifting Weights in a Gym

Getting in a good workout provides plenty of health benefits, and lifting weights is an integral part of any good exercise regimen. Recent studies have shown that kids that enjoy a regular, low-weight lifting routine enjoy a bounty of benefits. However despite these benefits, there are concerns to have as a parent, and there are plenty of reasons why kids need to be careful when they’re weight-lifting.

1. Strains, pulls, & breaks – It’s easy to push yourself too fast and too soon, and that can lead to strains, pulls and breaks on the muscle. Children’s bodies aren’t fully developed until later in life, and putting strain on their young muscles could lead to injury.
2. Broken bones – Working out in a gym environment means that lifters are expected to be able to lift the weights without fear of dropping them. The thought of broken bones in one’s foot due to a dropped weight can send shivers down a spine. If kids are going to be transferring weights to and from their work station, make sure they can carry that weight.
3. Improper form could lead to injuries – While it is suggested that kids spend more time on strength training as opposed to actual weight lifting, if your kid is interested in being in the gym, make sure the proper technique is used. Gyms typically have a trainer on the floor at all times, aiding in the proper techniques for lifting. (http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/is-weight-training-safe-for-kids
4. Kids could hurt someone other than themselves – Much like the dropping of weights can lead to your own broken foot, it can just as well lead to injuries for other people. Kids need to be careful and mind their surroundings. When lifting weights make sure you and your spotter can handle the weights and avoid injuries to you and your spotter.
5. Weight room equipment is expensive – Improper use of weight room equipment might not only hurt your child, but also the equipment itself. Respect the equipment in the gym and use it properly; many of the pieces in the gym are worth more than $1,000.
6. A trainer could potentially push you too hard – While the large majority of trainers will work with the kids on their limits, there is always cause for concern that a trainer might push too hard. One of the ways to battle this potential problem is to supervise your child as they work out with the trainers. Watching your child train will keep you in the loop about the process and let you keep an eye on your child as they train with a professional.
7. Overtraining can be harmful too – Rest days can be just as important as lift days. Your body needs a chance to recover and rebuild muscle, so make sure there is a set regimen of rest at least once a week, maybe twice a week for children. (http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/sampleworkouts/a/RestandRecovery.htm)
8. Showing off for friends could lead to injury – When training with weights it’s important not to do too much. That is especially the case when working out with friends. Some kids might want to show off and show their friends that they can do it all, but that could lead to injury. Make sure you are out there for the right reasons, and not just to puff out your chest in front of others.
9. Make sure your child is healthy enough to start lifting – If your child is serious about lifting weights, it is wise to get a check-up before beginning. No parent would want their kids to enter a strenuous activity without first knowing that their children can complete the task. Visit a doctor before visiting a gym.

Weight lifting is a great way for kids to get in shape, but it can be dangerously when it’s done incorrectly or when they try to lift too much too soon. If your kids do decide they want to start lifting weights then keep an eye on them while they’re doing so to help keep them injury free and safe.

Taken From Babysitters