Youngest age to lift weights in gym

rvpalldway

Hey
Whats the youngest age to use weight machines in gyms under 18,over 16 or what
Thanks

papu

It depends on the gym.

Mellor

Are you asking the youngest age a gym will let you lift, or the youngest age where its safe to lift weights?



If the first, it depends on the gym. Sometimes 18, sometimes 16. Sometimes children are allowed with an adult.
If its the second, then there is no right age. Resistance training doesn't stunt your growth. It's going to promote a ton of health benefits.
But all the usual common sense regarding technique, suitable load, etc, that adults should follow applies for children too, obviously.

MightyMandarin

I started when I was 18 and I wish I had started earlier. The benefits are enormous and if you get proper instruction and guidance at the beginning you won't hurt yourself. Anywhere from 13 is a good age to start I'd say.

guy2010

It all depends on the weight of the gym instrument. But you can't be 60 to see be very active in gym.

DoYouEvenLift

Depends on the gym for what minimum age they allow in, but for what age to start I'd suggest 15 or 16 as a good starting point since after 2 or 3 years of lifting you'll be in good shape going to college. Take advantage of the teen hormones.

JohnnyChimpo

The only real way lifting can "stunt growth" is by damaging epiphyseal plates, which is infinitely more likely by playing contact sports. So lifting is grand whenever pretty much, but yeah most gyms discourage young teens I imagine. You can do plenty at home though, if you have some space, and a little bit of cash for gear.

papu

They start early in Russia @3mins in.

Wood

guy2010 wrote: »

But you can't be 60 to see be very active in gym.

Incorrect

To answer the question. Most kids schoolbags nowadays are heavier than the pink dumbbells people are so fond of. In fact, so are most handbags,

12-16 Supervised by a reputable professional or coach, 16+ with one or two supervised sessions at the start.

cc87

papu wrote: »

They start early in Russia @3mins in.

Had a 13 year old Finnish boy in the gym with me yesterday.
Could overhead squat/squat/lunge perfectly. Been doing it since he was 7 he said.

Was awesome to see someone that age with such good technique. Most of the young lads I work with are fairly poor!