So son will be 14 shortly and has grown 6 inches this year. He's about 5'6" weighs 118 lbs.
He has no facial hair or arm pit hair yet. He projected to be around average height or slightly taller going off of standard growth charts and family genetics. So I believe he has a few inches to go.
He's been going to the gym and learning to lift weights under the weekly supervision of a trainer mostly using machines with lighter weights and small free weights for lateral raises, bicep, triceps etc. He will also mix in some boxing, running on the treadmill for cardio.
I go to the gym with him on the days he is not with the trainer and have some questions. Is ok to do squats and bench presses? He seems very interested in doing bench presses and upping the weight. What is a safe amount of weight to do? I think the most he has done is 100 lbs.
Also he is so active that I can't see him gaining weight without eating more. He is very picky about the food he eats and hungry all the time. But I am afraid he won't gain any muscle without eating more because there is no fat to burn off. I think he has about 6% body fat. The trainer says his workouts are more about learning the right form to set him up for future when the testosterone really kicks in.
Can anyone give me some feedback about how it was for their son going from a boy body to a man's with regards to strength training and gaining muscle mass and nutrition. How did process look for your boys? I know it might be a little early for him to expect to be bigger, faster and stronger but I'm curious as to what that process may look like. Son seems to enjoy going to the gym and working out just trying to support him and give him realistic expectations.