Expert Q&A


	By Melanie Wilson Vegetarian Cooking and Lifestyle Expert

My son and I just started a weight training plan. Any tips?

Keep it fun. Working out shouldn't be a chore or a punishment. Provide variety, music and fun equipment to make it enjoyable. Avoid competition.
More is NOT better. The body needs a recovery period between workouts, done two to three days per week on non-consecutive days. Pain, nausea or extreme discomfort during a training session is a sign to stop and rest.
Eat to win. Choose nourishing foods and always drink plenty of water before, during and after a workout.
Focus on the long term. Council your child not to expect changes overnight. Keep a log to chart her progress and show her how far she's come.
Never leave a child unattended in the weight room. Even the most responsible child may succumb to the temptation to do too much and risk injury.
Educate yourself and your child. Choose one of the resources mentioned in this article and make sure you know the difference between strength training for adults and children.
Dress properly. Wear comfortable clothing, but avoid baggy shirts or shorts that could get caught in the weights or machinery. Always wear shoes to protect your feet from dropped equipment and to provide balance.
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