Expert: Alan Kahn - 12/17/2007

Question
I'm 11 years old and I'm in tip-top shape. I lift weights every day and I also skip rope. Should I sign up for a league or not.

Answer
HI Pooch,

Wow, your 11 years old and in great shape!  It's great to know some of our youth are in good physical condition and trying to be healthy. Lifting wieghts and skipping rope are both great activities for your age, - just take care to have some adults around to supervise these activities, for you could quickly overdo it.

You ask about signing up for a "league" of some type but did not specify which kind.  I'm assuming a sports league of some sort, but I'm not sure which.  Baseball? Soccer? Boxing?  I don't know.  

I would say YES, join the league. But on these conditions. First, It is an activity you really want to do, and will commit your full time and attention towards.  Second, It is supervised by understand, knowledgeable adults that know that sport activity and have your health and well being at heart as much as a "winning record".  Winning is NOT everything in young adult sport leagues. Healthy partcipation for every is more important.
Third, your parents support the activity and also want you to attend - and will support you by going and watching you play.

IF you can answer yes to those three questions, than I would say JOIN and have a great experience.  

Good luck to you, and whatever you do, train and play safely.

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible