My eight year old son asked for weights Christmas I think too young a friend told me he would be fine if made limits What do you think?

Strength training is generally safe activity for children, according to the *American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). However, since weight lifting can put stress on the body's joints and muscles, there are a few things to consider before allowing an eight year old to begin strength training:

- Physical Maturity:

It's important for children to have adequate muscle and bone mass to safely participate in resistance training. Typically, children between the ages of 8 and 12 are at the stage where they are starting to develop these, but individual development varies.

- Proper Technique:

Children should be properly instructed on how to perform exercises with good form to minimize risk of injury. Incorrect form can place unnecessary strain on joints and muscles, leading to injuries.

- Gradual Progression:

Just like adults, children should start with lighter weights and gradually increase the weight and intensity of their workouts over time to avoid overtraining.

- Safety First:

Ensure that the equipment and environment are age-appropriate and safe. Weight plates should be securely fastened, and there should be clear safety protocols in place.

Before allowing your son to begin weight training, it's advisable to consult with your doctor or a certified personal trainer who can assess his physical maturity and provide personalized guidance on an appropriate strength training program.

Here are some tips for introducing your son to weightlifting safely:

- Start with very light weights. Your son should be able to lift the weights for 8-12 repetitions before he starts to feel tired.

- Focus on compound exercises. Compound exercises, such as squats, lunges, and push-ups, work multiple muscle groups at once and are more efficient than isolation exercises.

- Keep the workouts short. Your son should only lift weights for about 30 minutes each time, and he should only lift twice a week.

- Make sure he has proper form. Improper form can lead to injuries, so make sure your son is lifting with his back straight, his knees slightly bent, and his core engaged.

- Spot him when he's lifting heavy weights. This will help to prevent him from dropping the weights on himself if he loses his balance.

Finally, talk to your son about safety and injury prevention. Make sure he knows that he should never lift more weight than he can handle and that he should stop immediately if he feels any pain.