After a long layoff, I’m getting back into training. My 12 y/o son (pre-pubescent) has shown interest and wants to start training as well. Would he be okay to start the Beginner Template now, or should we take a more conservative approach with an emphasis on technique and work capacity until puberty?
Any advice is appreciated.
-Gary
Hey Gary,
Yep, the elements of the Beginner template and programming style is definitely appropriate for your son. Still, he may not be interested in training 3x/wk for 60-90 minutes. In this case, modifying the program by removing movements or replacing movements with other things he likes to do would also be appropriate. FWIW, I don’t think puberty needs to demarcate anything specific with respect to lifting weights.
We have a pretty lengthy article series on youth training here as well:
Thanks for the response and recommendation, Dr. Feigenbaum.
I will read through the article series as recommended. I’ve also been listening to your podcast from 2017 “Should Kids Be Strength Training.” I will keep all this in mind as I help him start his lifting journey. I have always tried to keep his enjoyment as a priority, as I know longevity and consistency trump most everything else.
Thanks again for your response.