Can a pair of dumbbells be used well at my age?

TheCenturion · 27 Apr 2009 at 14:08

I'm 14 and was 6.5 stone a few weeks ago, but now 6.2 stone. I think this is due to going back to 3 meals of school food a day

.

I want to gain substantial weight. I've been eating a lot, and although I get near enough a good daily intake and good amounts of healthy food, at school I'm also very prone to snacking on junk.

I was hoping to do some weights to increase my muscle mass, but I'm wondering whether it will make any real difference at my age? If it helps, I definitely eat a lot during the day.

Thanks!

Nix · 27 Apr 2009 at 14:10

Yeah, I suppose so. Although, I wouldn't expect huge gains until you're older but it depends on how far along you are in puberty so to speak.

Admiral Huddy · 27 Apr 2009 at 14:11

There is no reason why you can't train with weights at your age providing you are sensible with it. Get some proper advice and training from a qualified instructor from the start so that you don't prohibit growth, don't get injured and don't get into any nasty habits.

TheCenturion · 27 Apr 2009 at 14:22

Is it okay for me to bench press on the floor, in a sort of sit up position?

Morba · 27 Apr 2009 at 14:22

sensible eating, sensible rest, sensible training.

doesnt matter who you are, what your age is or how much experience you have. do the above 3 and you will reach your goals.

Morba · 27 Apr 2009 at 14:23

anant_shah94 said:
Is it okay for me to bench press on the floor, in a sort of sit up position?

no.

get a bench.

Chong Warrior · 27 Apr 2009 at 14:23

I started training at your age, just try and be sensible and do some reading up. DB's might actually be your best bet as they won't be that heavy and you'll be less likely to injure yourself.

Just stick to simple stuff like getting fit, DB curls, dips, pullups, pressups, shoulder press, etc. Get used to starting to watch what you eat and learning what's good and what's bad and make small changes here and there.

If you then find yourself really getting into it all then think about joining a gym and getting a decent PT to show you the ropes. He should check your form and make sure you're doing things correctly.

Admiral Huddy · 27 Apr 2009 at 14:24

haha this is why I say you need to be shown the ropes first or you'll be up casualty quicker than you can say "Flippin eck tucker"..

TheCenturion · 27 Apr 2009 at 14:25

Morba said:
no.

get a bench.

so I assume it's a no go to use the floor, in any circumstance

Morba · 27 Apr 2009 at 14:25

anant_shah94 said:
so I assume it's a no go to use the floor, in any circumstance

you can, but honestly, benchs are cheap, get a bench. you will benefit more from it.

Noni Juice · 27 Apr 2009 at 14:54

anant_shah94 said:
Is it okay for me to bench press on the floor, in a sort of sit up position?

I was like this, I used to get two chairs facing each other and do it. Apart from it being really dangerous it never really worked.

Just buy a bench, it will save a hell of a lot of hassle.

Morba · 27 Apr 2009 at 16:05

you oculd get a swiss ball, but again, i would prefer you get a bench.

yandii · 28 Apr 2009 at 04:29

well, pair of dumbbells can be used in any right age with a certain weight of a person ofcourse. you must be really good to put your fats into muscles huh?. well, you're still young. don't over fatigue yourself with stuffs.

WantoN · 28 Apr 2009 at 12:45

I'd be inclined to suggest your use body weight resistance. There's a wealth of exercises that will give you some benefits.

Ant :cool:

WantoN · 28 Apr 2009 at 12:47

anant_shah94 said:
so I assume it's a no go to use the floor, in any circumstance

Technically, especially in the young and inexperienced, moving past shoulder level is dangerous and stresses the anterior deltoid heavily.

I'd have no problem with him using the floor and in fact feel it would be safer. My primary concerns would be poor form and bad training ethic.

Ant :cool:

Reality|Bites · 28 Apr 2009 at 14:28

Are you 16.5 stone or 6.5 stone?

Morba · 28 Apr 2009 at 14:51

6.5

go look for his pics, he isnt lying ;]

Reality|Bites · 28 Apr 2009 at 15:01

link me to his pic please.

Freefaller · 28 Apr 2009 at 16:42

I'd suggest gym aside, that you're currently still growing a lot, whether or not you've reached your max height your body will still be developing. So doing exercise is vital. At your age I was doing sports 3-4 times a week and doing that alone added muscle and size. Hitting the gym is fine, but don't rely on it, keep your social life open by considering team sports. Doing some bodyweight exercises, like bodyweight squats, chins, dips, press ups, etc... will be beneficial. Get some light DBs but learn correct form and don't set your eyes on getting the weights up too soon - take it one step at a time.

neoboy · 28 Apr 2009 at 18:26

Would be a good time to start doing press ups everyday too, I didn't really start any gym until 15 and then only went to the free one we had at school on a Thursday. As above sports are also a good way.