with the Obesity epidemic among young people parents are looking for ways to help their kids get and stay fit yes and one possible solution is controversial weightlifting CBS 2's Dr Max Gomez tells us whether kids can lift weights or do other adult type Sports it's part of many adult exercise programs weightlifting builds muscle of course but also burns calories increases bone density Waring off osteoporosis and has a number of other health and psychological benefits so then why is weightlifting controversial for kids especially when so many of them are overweight one of the most frustrating myths
in medicine is that kids cannot lift weights that's not true kids can lift weights as young as 7 years of age the key is it has to be done correctly kids should lift lighter weights with more repetitions the key is doing it in a supervised way with adult supervision and doing it properly Fred Han a renowned strength trainer has written a book describing the wise and hows of safe weight training for kids and he practices what preaches with his 9-year-old daughter Georgia who's felt the benefits well when I I used to be really slow and
then I started doing this and I got faster but what about other athletic activities like distance running these days kids tend to focus on just one sport and practice it over and over again it's that repetitive activity that can lead to overuse type injuries any repetitive motion the same exact way the same exact time can cause injuries to muscles to bones and most to growth plates the area of bone that's actually growing but done correctly Athletics are some of the best things kids can do they feel better they're stronger in their Sports now one more
thing kids should do when they exercise and that is stretch that keeps ligaments and Joints loose enough to allow their bones and muscles to grow normally all of which helps control weight improve self-esteem and confidence kind of a win-win-win for kids and adults Maurice Christine Max did I hear that right age seven you can actually liftt weights light ones very many reps right reps light and under supervision make sure they've got good form and they're not doing something that's going to get get them hurt but they said after s years old lot of reps lightweight
proper form it goes for everyone right
