Make the routines fun and not monotonus and never insist on forcing youngsters to carry out an excercise they cant handle. Start with free standing and flexibility training , and concentrate on sporting skills which require team work. Dont forget as expressed in part 1 that all weight training exercises should be light to medium, avoiding spine bending activities such as heavy low squats and other dangerous exercises such as dead lifts.
Weight training can cause spinal injuries, so a lifting belt should be worn at all times. I would recommend exercises such as light barbell squatt to parallel and presses behind the neck to start off with. The bar should always be padded and never bounce the barbell on the spine area at the back of the neck. Bench presses are also an important exercise, but always under the watchful eye of a spotter as it has been known for bars to drop on lifters necks causing death, so NEVER carry out Bench presses alone.
The majority of dumbbell exercises are no problem at all, but always make sure the collars are secure. Lying triceps stretches for the arms and standing lateral raises for shoulders. While performing sit ups for abs, stick to the crunches version, keeping the knees bent and aim for fitness by encouraging high repetitions. Sometimes forgotten at this age is hygiene, so train in clean clothes and footware which will help to avoid infections such as atheletes foot.
RECOMMENDED TRAINING FOR THE OVER 14s On reaching the age of 14, supervised weight training can begin. The majority of weight excercises can be carried out with the exception of heavy dead lifts and barbell rowing, which can be harmful to the lower back. Heavy squats can also cause knees problems and hip problems can also develop in later life.
Schedules can be come longer and will soon show more evidence of muscular development. The normal precautions should be observed i.e. warming up to guard against injuries and above all, pay attention to what you are doing. It is best to exercise in good style using full range movements. I would also advise participating at this time in sports such as gymnastics or martial arts. We have to stress if you take on training youngsters, then you also take on full responsibilities for their health and safety.
ROUTINE FOR THE UNDER 14s Start off by warming up with some running on the spot, twists, knee bends and arm swings and then procede to the 1st exercise. Ex 1: Press behind neck with barbell. 2 sets 8 to 10 times. Ex 2: Half squats to bench top with barbell. 1 set 12 reps for the legs and lungs. Always use Squat stands and youngsters must always have a spotter. Ex 3: Pullovers with centrally loaded dumbbell 1 x 12 using a light weight, the idea is for chest expansion and always use after squats while still out of breath.
Ex 4: Barbell bench presses 1 x 10 reps, make sure a spotter close by, don't bounce the weights off the chest and use good style and full range. Ex 5: Barbell curls for the biceps, the way to big arms, 1 x 10 reps, don't cheat or swing the weight up. Ex 6: Crunches for the abdominals, start off with one set of maximum reps, try to work up to at least 30 reps, then you can increase sets, great to get to grips with that all important six pack. Finally Ex 7: Calf raises, 2 x 12 reps, Hold a dumbbell in one hand and with toes on a block raise and lower the calf via full range.
ROUTINE FOR OVER 14s As above always warm up Ex 1: Alternate dumbbells overhead presses 3 x 8 for the shoulders and arms. Ex 2: Full squats, this time try to go right down full range, but don't bounce at the knees. Have a spotter standing around and use squat racks. Ex 3: Pullovers, use swing bell or centrally loaded dumbbell, the weight is not important, light to medium is enough, the main idea is to encourage chest expansion Ex 4: Wide grip bench presses 3 x 10 for pectorals, triceps and shoulders. Ex 5: Dumbbell flyes, lying, after the bench presses, further pump the pecs with dumbbell flyes.3 x 12
Ex 6: One arm dumbbell rowing 3 x 8 for lats, arms and shoulders, use reasonably heavy weights as this is quite a safe exercise. Ex 7: Lying triceps stretches 3 x 8 for the back and major bulk muscles of the upper arms Ex 8: Crunches 2 sets of maximum reps EX 9: Alternate dumbbell curls for biceps 2 x 10 and then pumps the lower legs. Ex 10: Calf raises, use machine or dumbbell or barbell across the neck for increased resistance, calves on a block to get maximum stretch, always a must in calf training.
Never insist on high poundage and concentrate on slow but sure progress. Dont forget a good diet and healthy habits will help good progress too. Encourage rest and relaxation as well as the eating of nourishing foods including proteins, vegetables and fresh fruit. It is also important that they mentally active while they are not training, so make sure they have a hobby or two to help them focus more on their training.
