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Youth Weight Training

# My son will be 8 in August. He would like to work out. I read…

The question

My son will be 8 in August. He would like to work out. I read that it would be safe with light weight and 12 - 15 reps. Do you agree with this.

Dan's answer

Dan Wirth, MA, CSCS

No studies have ever been shown that lifting weights stunts or inhibits growth. But, as with any exercise program, if you do too much and you do it too soon, physical problems can occur no matter how old the person doing the exercise is.

The most important aspect when training youngsters is supervision, exercise technique, lighter weights, and higher repetitions in the 12, 15, and even 20 rep range. Also, do not make your child lift weights if they don't want to. An 8-year-old should not be overly regimented from a physical standpoint. Encourage weight lifting as well as swimming, soccer, baseball, etc. If they don't want to do it, then that's fine. Keep things fun and the love of exercise and training will come naturally\!

Dan designed the periodization models the Wave Engine runs.

See how the Wave Engine turns his programming rules into your workouts.

[How the Wave Engine works](https://www.workoutsmart.com/wave-engine)

## More in Youth Weight Training

- [I am 16 years old andthinking about getting started lifting weights on one of your programs and I was wondering it is true that intense body building can stunt ones growth?](https://www.workoutsmart.com/ask-dan/youth-weight-training/i-am-16-years-old/1063)
- [I have a question for you. I am a 14 year old male and I would like to know if I am mature enough to the strength and power program. If not, what can I do besides the youth programs? In case you need to know, I am 5'8 and I weigh 180 pounds. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME\!](https://www.workoutsmart.com/ask-dan/youth-weight-training/i-have-a-question-for/1341)
- [I am 16 years of age and i am recently doing weight training. Many people tell me that its bad. Is it really bad? If so, why?](https://www.workoutsmart.com/ask-dan/youth-weight-training/i-am-16-years-of/126)
- [I was researching "periodization" on the search engine Google and found you. I LOVE THIS SITE\! The questions I have are related to my 13 year old son. First and foremost is it safe for him to start doing this kind of workout? I have heard that weight training is not recommended for kids, is this true or myth. My son is a pitcher and his season just ended. We are going to start working for the season next year which generally starts in May. In our gym we have medicine balls 2-1 pound, 2-2 pound, and 4,6,8 pound balls, 2 swiss balls. We also have 250lbs of free weights, ranging from 2 1/2 to 25 lbs plates, Lat pull down attachment and leg curl attatchment. Is it possible to have a program tailered with that kind of equiptment and a person that is that age. I eagerly await your advise, hope to hear from you soon.](https://www.workoutsmart.com/ask-dan/youth-weight-training/i-was-researching-periodization-on/1312)


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