Kids and Weight Training: When Should They Start?

Copyright 2005 Raymond Kelly

Weight training and exercise in general can be very beneficial to all children. It increases bone density, increases strength, and improves muscular coordination. In the past many people had concerns about children and exercise but now we are much better informed.

What age should they start?
This is more of an ethical question. A child can start training with weights at any age, but the real question is: should they? Providing they have a well-designed program and constant supervision by a qualified trainer they will achieve benefits from weight training. But before you do start your child with weights consider what they are trying to achieve.