Experts say yes. Properly supervised training using light weights in a controlled manner does not pose a danger to youngsters. An injury isn't the only risk your child faces in bodybuilding. Tips for safe lifting The American Academy of Pediatrics says teens should not try lifting the greatest possible amount of weight until they are fully mature. The average age for developmental maturity is 15 in both sexes, but you should not automatically assume your child is physically or emotionally ready for serious weight training at that age, Griesemer and Acquaviva says.
Kids tend to be reckless and they do tend to be careless.
If you are encouraging your children to lift weights, make sure they have an adult supervisor who is trained to work with young athletes. There are no national standards for certification of trainers, so ask if your child's trainer knows the proper weights, lifting movements and breathing techniques, says Acquaviva. Weightlifting not the only fitness solution Strength training is good for youngsters, but it's not the only way to improve your child athlete's performance, experts say. A regular routine of sit-ups, pushups and running may be more appealing, and is certainly less risky for your child, than a weight workout, Griesemer says. Eating a healthy diet, getting adequate rest and fluid intake, and avoiding emotional burnout are more important for a young athlete's performance than training with weights.