Recent statistics from the fitness industry show an amazing rise in kids as young as 8 to 10 joining gyms and beginning to weight train and even entering body building competitions. Considerable controversy exists as to the risks and benefits of early weight training.

Most sports medicine experts agree that a supervised weight training program for adolescent and pre-teen boys and girls is not only not harmful but is beneficial. Strength training, including progressive resistance exercises, improve performance, health and fitness. Body building in the adolescent, however, is very controversial. Experts believe that it can have long-term negative physiological and psychological effects.

Growth centers of long bones are called “epiphysis” and stay open allowing growth well after boys have gone through puberty. Heavy weight training, such as doing maximum weight single-rep lifts, can damage these growth centers and cause injury to susceptible growing joints, especially in the knee, elbow and shoulder areas.

Close supervision of the young athlete in the weight room is essential to prevent injury. The coach or trainer must be very aware of safe lifting techniques and must stress posture, how to limit stress on joints by not forcing extreme positions, and there should always be a spotter present. High reps, such as 30 to 40 rep sets using lighter weights and emphasizing balancing of muscle groups, are key in training young athletes regardless of their sport. Proper fit into weight training machines needs to be carefully done.

Body building as an adolescent sport adds psychological risks not seen in weight training and other sports. These young “body builders” are at risk of developing “body image dysmorphic syndrome” in which the individual becomes “obsessed” with his/her body image, weight and appearance. This syndrome can lead to anorexia and bulimia (even in males) and the early use of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.

Since almost all of these young body builders are pre-pubescent, the natural levels of testosterone are low. Individuals “mature” physically at different ages based on genetics. Some 13-year-old boys shave and can grow a beard while others have not yet reached puberty. Matching young boys by age and not physiological development can also lead to long-term psychological issues and worsen body image problems. I personally believe the fitness industry needs to take a stand to limit adolescent body building competitions.