weight building, to get pecks?

[EliteLift]

14 is plenty old enough to lift wieghts, i'v been working out almost none stop sinse the age of 13 and about 5'4 i am now 17 and 5'11 i don't have any joint problems and the only side effect for me has been improved strength well being and confidence. just remember to use proper form start light and slowly increase the weight each time you workout. JohnMatrix why is it that you think 14 is to young?

[rab91787]

Some people THOUGHT, only thought no study was done to verify, that lifting at an early age could effect things like growth plates n stuff.

You are just one of many examples of young teenagers that start lifting and end up perfectly fine. :

[.V.]

Originally Posted by etothepii

I thought puberty was the point where a kid could start resistance training. Not sure why ... I've always thought that.

It is certainly going to be more effective for them at that time. However, as far as being safe?..any physical exercise done sensibly is good for a kid.

[Merrida]

I work with several teens, including 14 year olds, and it's fine. You are not too young to lift weights. The only caveat I would add is that you need to go through a conditioning phase before "heavy lifting" or you will potentially get injured or compromise results. (That's regardless of age).

In terms of stunting growth,..how? When you strength train, the muscles create a pull force against the bones, and that actually increases bone density, thereby strengthening the bones. So I'm not sure I follow that line. I think (JMO) that it may have been something parents said to their kids out of being either overly cautious or overly concerned,....perhaps combined with teens lifting irresponsibly.

But yes, you can lift weights.

PS: Please for the sake of all that is holy, do not just work your pecs. Why would you possibly want to neglect the rest of your body? And trust me, a lady isn't going to drool over nice pecs and scrawny legs and arms. If you're going to take your physique seriously, think symetry along with safety.