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Couper Turkwitz is one of them. He works up quite a sweat at Tenley Sport and Health Club in Northwest Washington, D.C.
Thanks for taking our survey. Check back later for updated results.Does Your Child Lift Weights?Does your child lift weights?Yes, regularly.He/she has in the past, but not regularly.No, never. Turkwitz, 14, is a soccer player, and lifting weights will build strength and endurance. Trainers say it just might help his speed, too.
Fitness experts used to believe lifting weights might damage children's growing bones and muscles. Now, they say children can pump iron safely, as long as their form and technique are good and the weights aren't too heavy.
Trainers say good technique can't be stressed enough. They advise finding a professional trainer if a child wants to begin lifting weights, reported WRC-TV in Washington, D.C.
Fitness experts say children should avoid lifting extremely heavy weights. The weight should be light enough for the child to do several repetitions of the exercise.
Experts say a good trainer will help a child be comfortable with his or her own body. And while children aren't known for their patience, trainers say children need to know that building muscle takes time.