5 year old weightlifter - have the parents done a bad thing?

[Crazedclerkthe2nd]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/post/V...urn=top,198525

There seems to be a lot of question over whether or not this kind of training is healthy for a child so young and what effect it might have on his growth and development.

[Amina516]

That is insane!

The end of the article says gymnastics and weightlifting are national obsessions in Romania. I cant help but think these parents are probably doing it to ensure themselves and him a future.

I do wonder what effect it willl have on his development though.

[guywithashovel]

According to a weightlifting book I read one time (this book, actually), kids should approach weight training with caution before reaching puberty. Now, the author of this book---a lifetime bodybuilder who has competed in numerous weightlifting competitions---did acknowledge that prepubescent kids can achieve progress from weightlifting. He just said it should be approached with caution, if I remember correctly.

I don't know that much about kids, so I probably shouldn't comment too much on the subject, but I don't think it's good to get kids too deeply involved in activities. I worry about them getting too focused on them---to the point of obsession, even---and not taking time to enjoy other aspects of life.

[Flyndaran]

Not recommended does not equal bad parenting. I say mediocre assuming there are no other extenuating circumstances.
Same way I consider certain other common parenting practices even here in the U.S.

[HYHYBT]

Unfortunately, they'll never come back in, say, 15 or 20 years to show us how he turns out.

[Greenday]

From what I recall from my weightlifting days, lifting weights at a very young age hurts development and growth. Nothing something I'd have my 5 year old doing, if I ever actually have kids.

[Bloodsoul]

Piccolo: "Listen up, runt! Today we're going to commense you're intense training under me."
Gohan: "But, wait? Wouldn't that cause horrible muscle degeneration for somebody my age, crippling me for years to come?"
Piccolo: "...You're a wordy, little bastard, aren't you?"
Gohan: "My mom wants me to become an ortho-"
Piccolo: "NERD!!"
Gohan: "Wh-What?"

---

In all seriousness.. well, having no experience in such things, I'm not sure what to say. I certainly hope that the parents are taking precautions. I don't doubt that regular exercising at a young age could be helpful but, as with anything, one would have to keep things in moderation, especially at such a young age.