More from CafeMom: When a Busy Mom Asked Dad to Finish Up Dinner, He Made an Epic Mistake Board certified pediatrician Jarret Patton, MD, FAAP, tells CafeMom there is not a direct link between weight lifting and stunted growth; however, kids are susceptible to injuries that could have an effect on their growth and development. “Most commonly there could be muscle or ligament damage, as young bones aren’t built for carrying massive amounts of weight,” Dr. Patton explains. “More serious injuries can occur, as children can get hernias and fractures as a result of lifting a large amount of weight. If a fracture occurs over a growth plate in their bones, this will cause growth abnormalities.” “Before the age of 8, children don’t typically have the coordination or the maturity to safely lift weights,” Dr. Patton says. He also cautions that most kids should stick to very light weights, and that there’s no real long-term benefit to handing over the dumbbells while they’re still learning their ABCs. “For children who are physically coordinated enough to lift weights (ages 7-10), the amount of weight lifted should only be a fraction of their body weight. The weight lifted never should be more than their total body weight. However, there is no real benefit of strength training in young children.”
title: “People Are Slamming This Dad S Shocking Video Of His 4 Year Old Lifting Weights” ShowToc: true date: “2024-09-29” author: “Cleveland Mcmillin”
More from CafeMom: When a Busy Mom Asked Dad to Finish Up Dinner, He Made an Epic Mistake Board certified pediatrician Jarret Patton, MD, FAAP, tells CafeMom there is not a direct link between weight lifting and stunted growth; however, kids are susceptible to injuries that could have an effect on their growth and development. “Most commonly there could be muscle or ligament damage, as young bones aren’t built for carrying massive amounts of weight,” Dr. Patton explains. “More serious injuries can occur, as children can get hernias and fractures as a result of lifting a large amount of weight. If a fracture occurs over a growth plate in their bones, this will cause growth abnormalities.” “Before the age of 8, children don’t typically have the coordination or the maturity to safely lift weights,” Dr. Patton says. He also cautions that most kids should stick to very light weights, and that there’s no real long-term benefit to handing over the dumbbells while they’re still learning their ABCs. “For children who are physically coordinated enough to lift weights (ages 7-10), the amount of weight lifted should only be a fraction of their body weight. The weight lifted never should be more than their total body weight. However, there is no real benefit of strength training in young children.”
