Teens And Weight Training

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- If you have teenagers or preteens playing competitive sports you might be wondering when it is time to have them start lifting weights to build strength.

According to experts at the American College of Sports Medicine, weight training is generally safe if your child is 12 years or older, but here is a key point. The teen has to be in a program that's supervised and properly designed. Some even say a girl can start at age 10, but this is very early. Now, here's the key point. Tell your child not to expect too much build up of muscle mass, especially at an early age, because that requires certain hormones that pre-adolescent kids lack. Weight training at this age will increase muscle fibers to develop strength, but not necessarily muscle mass. The bottom line is the strength will get there with that work. There is no rush. Just be careful.