strength training for kids

[lesliemarie]

I have a 14 year old that is on the skinny and gangly side, he is getting picked on at school a lot, I want to know if it is ok to start him on some weights to build some muscle mass in him and he won't be as skinny and gangly. and what supplements can I give him, is it ok to do some protiene shakes with him?

 

[toastythemosty]

I am wondering about the protein shakes to for my son who is strength training. He is 14 also.

Charlotte~~

 

[Dutchie42]

In my country, weights are not allowed until they're at least 15yo. They can only do strength training using their own body weight. Apparently in the US guidelines are not that strict.

I asked a similar question on the ask Cathe forum and she (yes she..) gave an elaborate answer. You might do a search.

Protein supplements are also not recommended for youngsters where I live. Again, US guidelines may be less strict.

Dutchie

 

[sarahinva]

At the high school where I work, we have several elective weight training classes. Freshmen are allowed to take them, and if you can fit it into your schedule, a student could take weight training all four years of high school. So, from an educator's perspective, I'd say definitely introduce weight training to your 14 year old!

 

[lesliemarie]

I called his pediatrician and asked them if it was ok and they said yes to go ahead, and they said I can give him a protien shake also to help him build some muscles, I told them about the trouble he is having because kids are picking on him because he is so thin and gangly. So maybe with some muscles they won't pick on him so easily.

 

[AutumnRain]

Preadolescent Strenght Training:

http://www.nsca-lift.org/AllNews.asp#news262

I know your son is older than the boys in this study, but if it is ok for them, I don't see why it would harm older kids.

Just a little FYI.

 

[allwildgirl]

If it gives him any hope, my SO was also the skinny, gangly kid at that age, and got picked on and beaten up regularly. He started working out with weights around that time, and introduced protein shakes. He got pretty big, and nobody picked on him anymore

 

[lesliemarie]

ok now one more question. How do I make him a protien shake. and what do I use for him?

 

[ZT27]

You don't need to make a protien shake for him. Just feed him more protien. IMO, 14 is a little too young for protien shakes but if you feel it's safe to give it to him, I'd use Designer Whey or something with Whey in it. Since he's 14 and growing, I'd use a whole or 2% milk with peanut butter, banana, ice cubes, etc...My fav. shake after workouts is:

One frozen banana
2 scoops of Designer Whey
10oz 1% milk
1 TBSP peanut butter
3 large strawberries
a handful of blueberries
one ice cube

throw them all in a blender for about 30 seconds. It's DELISH