On - Misconceptions about weightlifting. - Myths recently dispelled. - What is a good age to start weightlifting? - What are the dangers to the young? - What is suitable training for the 11 -12 year old? - Making Bodyweight. Before puberty, children are not capable of making significant strength gains due to lack of hormones. Several recent studies by nationally recognised researchers have reported significant strength gains as a result of weight-training among pre-pubes cent boys and girls.(e.g. Sewall & Micheli, 1986; Weltman et al, 1986; Servedio et al,1985). These studies also found that weight-training/weightlifting did not lead necessarily to a loss of flexibility when combined with stretching exercises. Weltman et al., 1986, also reported evidence that children's motor performance (jumping) can be improved by strength training. Duda, 1986, reported little direct evidence that supervised training with weights is unsafe for children. Close supervision is clearly necessary.