- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preteenagers today articles
- preteenagers today q&a
- teenagers today articles
- teenagers today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Weightlifting
Safe Training for Teens
By Heather Johnson Durocher
"He's been very diligent," she says. "I had to tell him he really needs a day off now and then, especially after a hard workout. Now he lifts weights three times a week."
Technique is critical, too.
"Movements should [be] slow and in control," Calabrese says. "There shouldn't be any jerking."
The amount of weight that is used depends upon a person's physical ability. In general, however, Calabrese offers this rule of thumb: If you can't do 10 repetitions, the weight is too heavy.
"If something feels painful, definitely stop," Calabrese says. "It should not hurt. The 'no pain, no gain' theory went out the window in the '80s."
For youth athletes who are also doing resistance training, Calabrese advises staggering workouts with sports participation.
"Weight training is something that kids should do in the off season, building up their strength and endurance," she says. "They really shouldn't over-train."
Encouragement from parents is important to children who want to exercise, experts say.
"Be a role model: Get in there with them, and make it a family activity," Calabrese says. "Drive them to the gym. Get them the proper equipment."
Joining your child can speak volumes, found Peg Loudon, who enjoys working out with daughter Chessy. "I work out regularly on the weight machines," she says. "We kind of goad each other into keeping up with our exercise routines."
"Sometimes we'll go together and that's nice because it's like a mother-daughter thing," Chessy Loudon adds. "If she works out, I have to work out too. It keeps me going."