Adding Functional Strength and Size

[BaseballLuva101]

Hi guys,

I'm 5'10" and 145lbs. I'm in 8th grade and looking to bulk up before my hs season. However, I don't want to sacrifice any of the functional strength that I developed. Firstly, is this possible? And second, where should I start and go from there?

[LAball]

swim, sprint, pushups, sit ups,leg ups, hand stands, trampoline. and eat alot, but healthy. If you can afford it get in gymnastics class. They are pound for pound the strongest althelets and still have dexterity.

[rocky balboa]

http://www.defrancostraining.com/articles/articles.htm

[Maxx]

Those are pretty general questions. Not sure of your definition of functional strength, but adding weight should not affect strength levels or athletic skill if a proper program is followed. What is your training experience?

[Jon Doyle]

Please don't listen to the link about Westside Training. Rocky, why would you post that for an 8th grader?

Being in 8th grade the reality is you're not going to add "size" (other than regular growth) - you're simply not old enoughand your CNS is not developed.

You can get stronger, however. No need for much weight training. The medicine ball should become your best friend. Also, as suggested bodyweight exercises are great and gymnastics can be beneficial - just watch the pounding on your joints.

[Go Cardinals]

This guy is a fast developer... I believe he can start lifting...

[korp]

Don't overdue the training either especially at your age. Its a 4 year deal so make sure you are just building up to that senior year piece by piece.

[BaseballLuva101]

my experience with training so far has been two years of conditioning with my tournament team...we use medicine balls (core), resistant hitting and running, pushups, small weights, etc...

[Jake Patterson]

my experience with training so far has been two years of conditioning with my tournament team...we use medicine balls (core), resistant hitting and running, pushups, small weights, etc...

What age group?

[Maxx]

I would stick with what you are doing training wise. Try to find someone who is knowledgeable about weight training for athletes and have them instruct you on the proper way to do the important lifts. You can practice the movements with a broomstick or just the bar so that when you get to high school, you can start performing them with weight. I would also take a look at your nutrition--that is the most important aspect of gaining good weight.