Kids& Weights + Protein?

[Dml]

Hello Cathe,

First, I have to say I LOVE the Intensity Series. What a great work-out!!!!!

Second, my question. How old should a child/teen be before you let them use light weights? I have heard so many different things. My 11 year old son loves Boot Camp and wants to use light (1,3,&5 lb.) weights with me. Would this cause any injury since he is still growing? What age is appropriate to let kids start "training" with weights. I'm really happy he has an interest in exercise and don't want to discourage him.

Lastly, how much protein should I be getting if I am doing the Total Body Blast? I would like to loose some inches. I have always watched fat, ate lots of veggies & fruits, but never really paid much attention to protein. I'm keeping my calories arounds 1600. Thanks!

Denise

 

[Dml]

bump

 

[dona]

RE: Kids& Weights + Protein?

I'm definitely interested in knowing Cathe's take on kids and weights. I have an 11 year old daughter and an 8 year old daughter. My 11 year old daughter looks at least as ripped as Cathe. Her every muscle bulges and her body is rock hard. She doesn't work with conventional weights. She loves to swing and flip on the monkey bars at playgrounds. So essentially her entire body weight is the weight load that she lifts. She can do ONE arm pull ups on the monkey bars - like they are nothing special. They aren't for her! (Especially funny: none of the much larger boys in her school can beat her at arm wrestling.)

Yet, I hesitate at letting her lift small dumbbells. Is there any point to stopping her or should I just teach her good form and let her join me?

 

[DawnA]

RE: Kids& Weights + Protein?

Hi there,
My 5 year old has her own purple 1 lb. weights and her aunt gave her an old Jane Fonda step from a garage sale. She also wears her bathing suit top and leggings to look like Cathe in Rhythmic Step. She is totally into it, and I have no problem with her emulating this behavior. She only will do 3 minutes at a time, then she says "this is the sweaty part, I'm going in the other room, you smell bad." I want her to think exercise is fun and an absolute necessity to a healthy life.
Dawn