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Dear Dr. Dixon,
I need advice concerning my 14 year old son. He is 5' 2, 88
pounds, and slim. In the past two months he has been growing
rapidly, approximately an inch and a half to two inches. To
participate in soccer this fall, he is required to train over the
summer with weights two days a week (and running/skills two other
days). His instructor makes him do 3 sets with 10 repetitions in
each. He says he really strains in upperbody workouts, like
bench presses.
Is it safe for him to train while he is growing so fast?
Will it cause him to stop growing to his full potential?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
F4 |
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Dear F4:
In America, boys age 14-15 are the most physically active group
of humans.
Their exercise level will start to decrease about age 16 and come to a
virtual standstill at age 21! It is important that children bring a love of ,
and competency in, physical activity of both individual and group types into
adulthood for their lifetime health and enjoyment.
I fear your somewhat smallish son has been pretty inactive up to now.
He is unlikely to have and permanent damage from his present, twice weekly,
hard and enthusiastic muscle work. He needs to show progressive increases in
strength to be self rewarded. He needs to prove to himself that he can do it.
If the soreness lasts 3-4 hours after the workout and especially if it lasts
overnight, it is too hard and fast for him, and needs to be more slowly
adapted.
I would suggest because you are concerned, both you and he will
be
reassured by a visit with a doctor skilled in sports medicine and young
people. If you are then reassured, heap praises on your young man, soak and
rub his muscles and be sure to attend every game and even some practice
games.
George L. Dixon, Jr., M.D. |
