Exercises (at home) for Pre-teens?

[dancetaxi2]

My son just turned 12 and hasn't had any big growth spurts yet. He wants to do some exercises at home to add some muscle. He is not going any lifts, just want to have a better stage presence since he is surrounded by skyrocking girls. I don't want him lifting weights yet, he is all for doing some push-ups and squats; can anyone recommened a simple routine for him to go thru at home?

[Tuesday]

My son is 11-1/2 and also hasn't hit a growth spurt yet. At home he has a routine that consists of push ups and core-building pilates exercises (for instance, hundreds) that he does. He also does a lot of stretching/strengthening exercises--especially his hamstrings--with a theraband. His upper back also tends to need a lot of stretching.

 

He learned almost all of the stretching exercises from a pilates teacher--I would highly recommend visiting a pilates studio if you are able to because it is really helpful to the kids to have someone show them how to do the exercises correctly. Alignment and placement is very important, and not exactly intuitive for most people who haven't been exposed to pilates.

 

You might be able to get by with a good pilates video and close supervision, but I am not sure if that is something the other parents or moderators would recommend.

[Mel Johnson]

I can go along with that recommendation, along with warning against squats! The complete release of the knee involved runs a mighty high risk of soft tissue damage, as a lot of WWII and Korean War veterans found out later in life. The squat-thrusts they did in basic training calisthenics did them in with decreasing their mobility as they got older.

 

Stage presence isn't something you can exercise for. You have to be able to command attention just by standing on your own two feet, with your head up and your eyes open. Boys have to move confidently, whether still, walking, or running, and oh yes, dancing. (But then, it's all dancing!)

[dancetaxi2]

Stage presence isn't something you can exercise for. You have to be able to command attention just by standing on your own two feet, with your head up and your eyes open. Boys have to move confidently, whether still, walking, or running, and oh yes, dancing. (But then, it's all dancing!)

 

 

To clarify his stage presence is actually quite good, he is used to being the center of attention. He wants to having the muscle mass that older ballet dancers have.

[Mel Johnson]

Not going to happen at 12, if he hasn't begun the growth surges.

[Gremlin]

To clarify his stage presence is actually quite good, he is used to being the center of attention. He wants to having the muscle mass that older ballet dancers have.

 

I also agree with Mr Mel. At early 12 years of age, he has not even begun to have muscle mass. My son is 14, just started his major growth spurt about a year ago and even today, looks very thin, but beginning to show muscle mass in his legs and upper body, but definitely does not look like he is ready for Muscle Beach!

 

I noticed your comment about your son being "the center of attention". Is he the only boy in his school?