I train child bodybuilders – I tell haters the same thing when they say it’s ‘bad for kids’
A FITNESS guru is breaking the stigma that lifting weights is “bad for kids” – and says taboos around the subject “couldn’t be further from the truth”.
TikTok bodybuilder and coach Gabe Larner has revealed the intense methods he uses to whip youngsters into shape.
Despite the attitude that weight training can be unhealthy or stunt kids’ growth, many now believe that is junk science.
And weightlifting coach Gabe is a big believer that exercise is good for all ages – and says it is actually “one of the best things to do”.
He regularly posts clips demonstrating how to perform various lifts, from simple bodyweight exercises to massive 500lb squats.
Some of his techniques can be seen in a recent clip released to his TikTok following captioned: “Breaking the stigma that lifting weights and working out is “bad for kids“.
In the video, Gabe shows how he utilises exercises including sprints, squats, pull ups and kettlebell swings to teach kids how to lift.
And viewers were quick to agree with his formula – as one said that lifting weights at a young age “doesn’t affect anything, that’s just a theory.”
“I would LOVE to send my kids to something like this,” said another.
However, a third questioned him, commenting: “I heard because their bones are still growing that they should just train with just body weight”.
But the weightlifting mentor hit back, saying: “If their stability is good enough in various positions for their body, you can load them over time with the proper intro exercises and develop that.
“Over time as they age, then slowly add more when best seen fit.
“Kids can lift, to an extent and depending on the kid and their INDIVIDUAL needs.”
DEDICATED
But while Gabe preaches moderation and intelligent training, some choose to take child bodybuilding to the extreme.
YouTube star Tristyn Lee has recently opened up on his decision to quit soccer so he can dedicate himself to bulking up.
Lee, 20, shot to fame in his teenage years after becoming a child bodybuilding sensation when he took up lifting aged just 13.
The shredded superstar has amassed a huge social media presence with over two million followers on Instagram.
And former champion bodybuilder Martin Miller also recently revealed that he started lifting before he was even a teenager, and was hitting the gym at just 12 years old.
He says he became so dedicated to bulking up he even wanted to train his EYE muscles.
He said he wanted “to see every muscle fibre in my body”, adding: “Even my eye muscles.”
Now, Miller is unrecognizable after finding a “healthy balance between bodybuilding and my actual life”.