Carrying on from part 1, I would insist on weight training exercises being light to medium , that means no heavy low squats or dead lifts and avoid any spine bending exercise. Start off with fun type exercises without putting them through any ordeal, and never make them train against their will. Try out free standing excercises, flexibility work and teamwork skills through sporting activities.



A lifting belt should always be worn and must be encouraged for recommended exercises such as light barbell squats to parallel and presses behind the neck. Make sure that the bar is padded and dont bounce the barbell on the spinal column at the back of the neck. And most important of all is the presence of a spotter while bench pressing, as deaths have occured due to bars dropping onto lifters necks. Bench presses should never be performed alone.

Most dumbbell exercises are fine, again double check the collars are secure .Standing lateral raises for shoulders and lying triceps stretches for the arms. When doing sit ups for abs, use the crunches version, keep the knees bent and encourage high repetitions for fitness. Train in good clean clothes and footwear. Encourage good hygiene practices at all times to avoid infections such as athletes foot or similar unpleasant complaints.

WEIGHT TRAINING THE OVER 14's The safest and recommended age range to begin with weights is over 14 years old. Virtually any excercise can be carried out except over heavy dead lifts or barbell rowing, which can be painful on the lower back and heavy squats which can lead to knees problems as well as hip problems later in life.

Schedules can be come longer and will soon show more evidence of muscular development. The normal precautions should be observed i.e. warming up to guard against injuries and above all, pay attention to what you are doing. It is best to exercise in good style using full range movements. I would also advise participating at this time in sports such as gymnastics or martial arts. We have to stress if you take on training youngsters, then you also take on full responsibilities for their health and safety.

THE UNDER 14s ROUTINE Begin by warming up with running on the spot, twists, knee bends and arm swings and then start with the 1st exercise. Ex 1: Press behind neck with barbell. 8 to 10 times, twice. Ex 2: Half squats to bench top with barbell. 1 set of 12 reps for the legs and lungs. Always use Squat stands and Teenagers must always train witha spotter. Ex 3: Pullovers with centrally loaded dumbbell 1 x 12 using a light weight, which helps chest expansion and always use after squats while still out of breath.

Ex 4: Barbell bench presses 1 x 10 reps, make sure a spotter close by, don't bounce the weights off the chest and use good style and full range. Ex 5: Barbell curls for the biceps, the way to big arms, 1 x 10 reps, don't cheat or swing the weight up. Ex 6: Crunches for the abdominals, start off with one set of maximum reps, try to work up to at least 30 reps, then you can increase sets, great to get to grips with that all important six pack. Finally Ex 7: Calf raises, 2 x 12 reps, Hold a dumbbell in one hand and with toes on a block raise and lower the calf via full range.

ROUTINE FOR THE OVER 14s As always warm up first Ex 1: INTERCHANGE dumbbells overhead presses 3 x 8 for the shoulders and arms. Ex 2: Full squats, this time concentrate on going right down full range, but don't bounce at the knees. Make sure a spotter is standing close by and use squat racks. Ex 3: Pullovers, use swing bell or centrally loaded dumbbell, the weight is not so important, light to medium is sufficient, the main goal being to encourage chest expansion Ex 4: Wide grip bench presses 3 x 10 for pectorals, triceps and shoulders. Ex 5: Dumbbell flyes, lying, after the bench presses, further pump the pecs with dumbbell flyes.3 x 12

Ex 6: One arm dumbbell rowing 3 x 8 for lats, arms and shoulders, use reasonably heavy weights as this is quite a safe exercise. Ex 7: Lying triceps stretches 3 x 8 for the back and major bulk muscles of the upper arms Ex 8: Crunches 2 sets of maximum reps EX 9: Alternate dumbbell curls for biceps 2 x 10 and then pumps the lower legs. Ex 10: Calf raises, use machine or dumbbell or barbell across the neck for increased resistance, calves on a block to get maximum stretch, always a must in calf training.

Never insist on high poundage and concentrate on slow but sure progress. Dont forget a good diet and healthy habits will help good progress too. Encourage rest and relaxation as well as the eating of nourishing foods including proteins, vegetables and fresh fruit. It is also important that they mentally active while they are not training, so make sure they have a hobby or two to help them focus more on their training.