AboutJerry Goodwin Expertise I can answer questions related to any of the following areas alternative medicine, fitness, physical education, weight training, senior health, bicycling, personal trainers, personal training, medical technology, health and wellness, eating disorders, weight loss, Naturopathy, first aid, and bodybuilding. In fact I was listed as an expert in each of these categories at askme.com until they closed down
Experience I have worked in health and or fitness related capacities for over 30 years. My main profession is that of a Medical Technologist, but I also have training as a Corpsman with the US Navy, a Field Medic with the Army National Guard,and am certified as A Personal Trainer, Medical Exer-therapist and Aerobics Instructor through the National Academy for Health and Fitness. My wife and I have operated BMG Services Fitness and Nutrition in Moultrie Georgia since 1995. I also have an Associates Degree in Computer Robotics. I am an avid bicycle rider, mostly road riding with the occasional
mountain trail or off road "experience". My wife and I usually do a charity ride at least once per year to help those less fortunate.
Degrees & Certifications:
Certifications include Clinical Laboratory Scientist CLS/NCA. Clinical Laboratory Technologist CLT/HHS
Personal Trainer, Aerobics Instructor, and Medical Exer-therapist NAHF.
Advance Weight Training through NAHF.
Accepted as AFTA Associate
Awards include the Ohio State Award of Merit and Ohio Special Services Ribbon, Army Commendation
Medal and 2 Army Achievement Medals
CPR re-Certifcation 2007
Web page:
http://www.bmgfitness.com
http;//www.healthandfitnessebookclub.com
Question I have a 13 (almost 14) year old son who plays league football. This is his fourth season and has done very well in the past based on his knowledge, speed and agility.
The league is rep and the pace will be fast and hard, in the fall he will be joining the local highschool league.
I'm always urging him to begin weight and strength training (he's definitely on the small size @ 5'2 110 lbs) My concerns are injury prevention, competing pound for pound and I'm not taking anything away from his coaches or future coaches but I believe it's important he begin to understand and self discipline himself in the proper exercises he needs to continue in this sport.
He believes (he's been told by others in the past) weight and strength training will stunt his natural growth patterns. I've tried to explain "everything in moderation but .... he pretty much listens to everyone but me.
Can you provide me with the facts about this type of training for someone his age, myth, truth, half truth. Can he push himself or is there a % to weight ratio he's best to work with. Is there a website that will provide him the proper information he needs for his age.
Thanking you in advance
Answer Hi Michael,
I would find it rather odd if a 13 year old actually paid attention to his parents, that is pretty normal.
I wish people would stop spreading that awful and untrue rumor that weight training when young will stunt growth. Arnold started when he was 12 in Austria, does he look like his growth was stunted? Many of my friends and I were somewhat into weight training when we were about 12-14 years of age, all of us grew to pretty normal heights everywhere from 5'8 to 6'6.
Weight training causes and increase in growth hormone, that would increase not decrease your growth. Truth is that height is over 90% due to genetics, not weight training or anything else.
I am not exactly an expert on all aspects of youth training but I do know who to contact and am happy to recommend Brian Grasso. His website is www.IYCA.org and he offers a free newsletter, so get that. He is the guy that many coaches and youth trainers often consult with in regard to training youths. I have followed Brian for a long time and would definitely follow his advice on anything regarding fitness and health for youths including my own grandchildren. My Grandkids are into BMX Racing and one is into horseback riding.
So the answer to your question on websites for youth fitness and training is the IYCA of Brian Grasso. Great trainer, great person, and as far as I know the foremost authority on youth training probably in the world.
