$Unique_ID{BRK01670}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue}
$Title{Weight Lifting and the Young Athlete}
$Subject{exercise, weight lifting teenager}
$Volume{M-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Weight Lifting and the Young Athlete


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QUESTION:  I am almost 13, but am very big for my age.  I have already decided
that I want to be a professional athlete.  I know that all athletes train and
I want to start by lifting weights.  My father doesn't want me to do this now,
and has refused to give me the money to buy the weights I need to practice at
home.  I want you to write a column to tell him he is wrong, and that training
is a good and healthy thing to do.

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ANSWER:  I am all for activities that help promote "good and healthy" living,
but also believe that a little politeness, a "please" or two gets more results
than just demanding something one thinks is right.  If you are talking to your
Dad in the same tone your letter to me has, I can understand his reluctance to
pop for a set of weights.  However the simple medical fact is that your Dad is
right in refusing you, whatever his reasons may be.  While training is always
a good idea for someone who desires to be a professional athlete, lifting
weights at your age is a definite no-no, despite your size.  According to a
recent statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics, power lifting, weight
lifting and body building should not start before a stage in development that
occurs about the age of 15.  In addition, all training programs of this nature
should be conducted by professional or trained coaches who know how to
evaluate the maturity of the young athlete, and plan a program with that in
mind.  Otherwise there are many dangers.  They include fractures through the
growing cartilage of the still immature bones, low back injury, and injury to
the cartilage disks located between the bones of the spinal column.  Since
there is some controversy on this matter, I will admit that there may be
different opinions available from others, but I tend to be extremely
conservative where the health of young people is concerned.  I suggest you
discuss this further with your Dad, get some professional counsel from a good
coach, and hold your horses just a bit until your body is ready to take you
where your mind has decided to go.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
