Do not push kids this young through a linear progression this quickly. They do not have the adaptive capacity to keep up with increases like this. Back them off and go up much more slowly.
Member
Training kids.( I did search!)
The guys over in the training section suggested I post here.
Living in South Afica means getting hold of all your books and good advice is testing, to say the least.
My two sons (9 and 12) became interested in lifting after watching me do SS.
Because they are big boned large built lads, I taught them the lifts and started them off. After a month the youngest is squatting 60 kilograms and the elder 90 kilograms.
Lifts are progressing at 2.5 kilograms a session.
In the last two sessions, I noticed that form was breaking down on all lifts. Should I let them push on till failure(by which I mean missed reps), or is it better to reset now and progress at 1 kilogram per session?
They are both rugby players(props) and I've been feeding the food and milk.
Thanks
Andre
SA
TMPHBITEU
Do not push kids this young through a linear progression this quickly. They do not have the adaptive capacity to keep up with increases like this. Back them off and go up much more slowly.
Member
Would more of an autoregulatory program be more suited towards children or would a linear progression program such as SS be suitable as long as the increases from workout to workout are minimal (2.5lbs or less?)?
-Hat
TMPHBITEU
Depends on what you mean by "children". The federal govt. has just determined that children can be up to 26 if it involves their mommy and daddy's health insurance. Pediatricians like to call us children until we are 19.
Member
I mean pre-pubescent.
-Hat
TMPHBITEU
I don't personally believe in the "training" of children. Time enough for that shit later. Let them play. Please.
Member
A bit too young for a 12 year old (I'm assuming) to squat 90kg/200lb for 5 reps. That is VERY impressive but I wouldn't get a child under a barbell until they are 14-15.
Member
Thank you!
I've taken a lot of weight off all their lifts and will progress slowly and carefully.
Member
Truly not to nitpick or start the coach vs coach BS, but I am wondering if you then disagree with Dr. Kilgores recommendation 3, specifically where it says "programs": "Skill-based weightlifting programs that include a wide variety of general athletic preparation are appropriate for children and can commence between the ages of 9 and 12 years of age." From here: http://www.aasgaardco.com/files/ssyc.pdfOriginally Posted by Mark Rippetoe
I realize that the above does not mention linear progression, but seems to advocate a broader approach, but when you don't believe in "training" kids, but letting them play, it would then be contrary to the above?
About letting them play I have an anecdote, which might have some relevance (if not, just delete): I worked out in the same gym as a former national Oly-champion for a while. The gym was run by his dad, a former national champion and national team coach. So this guy (2nd generation) would have his kid (3rd generation) come along quite often, he was probably like 8-9 y/o. While daddy did his powercleans/presses/pullups, he would fuck around with the kiddy bar + some light bumpers. Nothing programmed, just having fun with it. His clean and snatch form looked pretty decent to me, and he sure was enjoying himself. If I was a betting man, I'd put money on him to be their 3rd generation national champion when he grows up. I'm also pretty sure that this intuitive approach was how his daddy started out with the weights himself.
It would seem that you need to strike a balance between it being fun and not a chore, yet still letting them do the movements, as according to dr. Kilgores article it's beneficial to get them down at this age.
TMPHBITEU
I have no problems with children lifting weights and barbells, doing the Olympic lifts, squats deadlifts, presses, bench presses, sprints, or any other correct and properly coached classic weight training or conditioning movement. There is absolutely no physiological reason not to let them train properly. I have a problem with structured training for children who should probably be encouraged to just play. If they can regard the weight room as a fun place to be, let them play there as long as they are doing the exercises with technical perfection.
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