Health

Is This Fitness Guru With Eight-Pack Abs Too Young?

Workout Kid Inspires Peers Off Couch

C.J. Senter plays basketball with his friends, hides and seeks, runs track in school and plays football. Pretty normal. What’s not normal for the average 10 year old — or really the average any age for that matter — is his eight-pack abs.

Senter, who is also known as “the workout kid”, works out, eats right and is trying to inspire others his age to do the same. With a line of workout videos many schools and individual families are becoming familiar with the Senter routine.

ABC Nightline recently interviewed Senter and doctors posing the question “Is there such a thing as too much?”:

ABC reports Dr. Robert Gotlin, director of Orthopedic and Sports Program at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, as stating that there is such a thing as overdoing it, which is the case at any age, but he has seen a rise in youth stress injuries:

“In my practice now, I’ve seen doubling of injuries to young kids, age 10 or 9 or 8, with overuse injuries because they’re doing more now,” [he said.]

Gotlin said that while tendonitis is the most prevalent ailment he has seen in active children, he has also seen young patients with bruising, as well as bone and ligament injuries.

“The problem with ligament injuries in children is the fact that ligaments in kids are very, very strong,” he said. “So what happens is they don’t tear but they pull the bone. And the ligament can actually pull the bone off the bone.”

What is safe, Gotlin says, is an hour of working out with water breaks intermixed.

In the interview, Senter’s parents say C.J. wanted to exercise, eat veggies instead of junk and create workout videos for his peers. They aren’t in it for the money, stating they had given away as many DVDs as have been sold.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, nearly a third of children and teens are considered overweight. C.J. and his parents believe his workout videos could be an inspiration. Find C.J.‘s Workout Kid DVD’s here.

Comments (46)

  • eaglesoverhead
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:21pm

    Anything to sell workout videos and make some money, honey … nothing new here.

    Report Post » eaglesoverhead  
  • hi
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:19pm

    I think it is great. He is an inspiration. He should make money on his videos. His abs are mostly from genes.

    I am concerned that he doesn’t get enough (good) fat in his diet. The myelin sheath that covers the nerves in the brain need fat for development even until the age of 25.

    Report Post » hi  
    • seldomscene
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 8:41pm

      Get a grip. Get glasses. Can you say Photo Shop?

      Report Post » seldomscene  
    • Airb0rne4325
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 7:39am

      He won‘t be able to move when he’s 40. The joints can only take so much repetition before they start to wear down and he is wearing his down faster than most.

      Report Post » Airb0rne4325  
  • otmonger
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:02pm

    If it sounded like a raciest statement I’m sorry. When I said farm boys I meant white trash friends of mine. Again I am sorry!

    Report Post » otmonger  
    • teamarcheson
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:17pm

      He is the Lion King

      He just take steroids with his cup of coffee in the morning.

      Report Post »  
  • otmonger
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 11:56am

    I grew up with farm boys that looked like this. They are still alive and well. Better than me!

    Report Post » otmonger  
  • swimmer1940
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 11:32am

    Maybe an “early bloomer’ getting his first hormonal bumps toward puberty. This would allow for the muscle development Happening earlier and earlier with kids today.

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 10:52am

    He is training to be What?

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • gmoneytx
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 10:11am

    YEAH that’s scary!

    Report Post » gmoneytx  
  • UlyssesP
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 9:29am

    Kind of extreme, but not my kid. He seems to like it.
    He looks weird and cartoonish to me though so developed.
    True. no weirder and cartoonish than an overweight 10 year old does.
    Actually that applies to any age person I look at!

    Report Post » UlyssesP  
  • notAvictimTX
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 9:13am

    The number of abs, their placement and symmetry are all genetically predetermined. All he is doing is eating balanced amounts of proteins, carbs and veggies-combined with simple, daily excersize and play. That‘s what our bodies want and that’s how a body looks if you provide it.

    Report Post »  
    • notAvictimTX
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 11:49am

      In other words-some people have 4 abdominal muscles, others have 6, 8 etc Some people have perfectly symmetrical abs and others don’t etc.
      The thickness of the layer of fat that lays over all our muscles is related to how we eat (how much, how often and what) and how our bodies use that food (burn calories or store them). That is what determines definition (how well you can see the muscles).
      “Building muscle” (mass, bulk etc) happens when tiny tears occur within the muscle fibers. The body then not only repairs the tears but also makes the fiber connections stronger. Any time you’ve had a “sore muscle” that is what is happening.
      OVER-USE and children taking vitamins and supplements designed for adults are what lead to large tears, bone damage, etc

      Report Post »  
  • tomloy
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 7:31am

    The kid isn’t developed enough to be working out like this. He is damaging his body.

    Report Post »  
    • The Voice of Libertarian Reason
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:15pm

      You sir are incorrect; if you knew more about this young man and his “work outs” you would know that he does not lift weights because THAT is not healthy for a person under 16 years old. It is healthy for kids as young as 5 to do body weight exercises like push ups, chin ups, crunches, etc.

      Making statements when you don’t have all the FACTS makes you look unintelligent; learn from your mistake.

      Report Post »  
  • Sicialian Eyeball
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 7:27am

    But can he read and write?

     
  • grudgywoof
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 7:14am

    I wish I looked like that when I was a kid. He looks great and seems very happy. Dad and mom are in his life and I don’t see anything wrong with it.

    Report Post » grudgywoof  
  • hidden_lion
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 7:08am

    He looks happy with what he is doing. He is healthy and looking to help others. All positive things. As long as he is eating the proper nutrition and not using supplements untended for adults this should not be a problem. I knew a kid with 6-packs abs in grade school, he didn’t do any extra workout stuff, he just played hard. He became very good a football.

    Report Post » hidden_lion  
  • Sheepdog911
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 5:58am

    I’m fairly certain that the Spratans would have loved this kid. I‘d rather have more of this kid than more of the types of kids that need Michelle Obama’s advice on health and nutrition.

    Report Post » Sheepdog911  
    • loriann12
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 6:48am

      I‘m 47 and I was told all my life that it’s not safe to work out for muscle mass until at least 16. My mom is a nurse and she said that a child is still developing and shouldn’t be building muscle. Being fit, yes, eating right, yes, but not building 8 pack abs. (and I thought it was 6 pack?)

      Report Post »  
    • Restoring Fiscal Sanity
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:34pm

      I had an 8 pack as a kid from being really active and doing situps often. I didn’t lift weights, but was very, very active in sports.

      Report Post »  
    • hi
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:35pm

      Loriann12
      I think that is an old husband’s tale and has been proven wrong. BING it.

      Report Post » hi  
  • Talmid of Yeshua
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 4:24am

    So, let me get this straight, if your kid is out of shape, eats french fries, etc. Moochelle Obama wants to take them away from the parents. If your kid is an exercise guru and is great shape, Moochelle Obama wants to take them away. If your kid is white, and over-achiever, Moochelle Obama thinks your kid is a racist.

    For the first time in her adult life, she’s proud to be an American. ‘Nuff said.

    Report Post » Talmid of Yeshua  
  • DallyWama
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:24am

    Genetics my dear Watson. Genetics. Good for him. Lets hope they stay with him later in life.

    Report Post »  
    • Servant Of YHVH
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 3:13am

      I agree, unless they are also giving him “additional help” in the way of drugs to get like this. Not saying that they are but I wouldn’t be surprised.

      Report Post » Servant Of YHVH  
  • Warm In The Desert
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:56am

    An important article that helps America get on with important things this article imparts…Not

    Blaze, keep introducing “non relative” to our American problem articles as this one, and slowly watch your audience disappear. I care not, some little twits “six pack” stomach muscles.

    Relegate your articles of importance to improving this great country, and the exceptional people, all who are called “The American People”…we are all exceptional, let no one call or consider you elsewise.

    Report Post » Warm In The Desert  
    • jcannon98188
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 3:47am

      Is this really “Non Relative”? I say that this kid here is a perfect embodiment of the American Spirit. At Age 10, the kid is already in amazing shape, way better than most people on this site. He produces and sells DVDs with his workout plan. Last time I checked, this is called Entrepreneurship. He also is doing it without the Government forcing him to do it. This kid is more successful at Age 10, than I am at age 19, and a lot of people are at any age. Good for him I say.

      Report Post »  
    • HADEN0UGH
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 8:50am

      I knew exactly what the article was about before I clicked on the title. Guess what? If you don’t click on the title, you won’t read it! Surprisingly simple.

      Report Post » HADEN0UGH  
  • boneman1
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:26am

    I am reminded of James Knox Polk as I read this story.
    Let the kid have fun.
    Jeez, lighten up, America.

    Report Post »  
  • Mickeyd
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:09am

    He’s probably getting really good grades, too. B/c neuroscientists tell us that when our body moves more, our brains work better. Love it! Beat the honk out of sitting around playing video games.

    Report Post »  
  • Mickeyd
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:06am

    I totally approve. Because there’s such an obesity problem for kids and adults in this country. Who better to inspire kids than another kid? Go, CJ! You rock!

    Report Post »  
  • notmeatglennbeckdotcom
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:24am

    His parents have obviously not enrolled him in school breakfast, lunch and the after schools snack programs.

    Report Post »  
    • The10thAmendment
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:50am

      He’s already using what God gave him to start his walk in life. Too young? Too young for what? I don’t think any kid is ever too young to begin working toward their future with the tools God gave them to work with.

      Report Post » The10thAmendment  
  • whatthecrazy
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:23am

    This little dude will be sucessfull one day, wish i had that kind of will power………………

    Report Post »  
  • theduchessofkitty
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:15am

    What would you rather see?

    A healthy kid with six-pack abs who makes workout DVDs for other kids? Or the same kid a hundred pounds heavier, with diabetes and/or heart disease because he spent too much time playing in front of the X-Box or the laptop?

    Whatever he and his parents are doing… good job. Keep it up.

    Report Post » theduchessofkitty  
    • Cosmos102
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:12am

      @Theduchessofkitty

      Oh right. What kids did you know growing up that played outside instead of playing video games, and had 8 pack abs? As IF that’s just a normal thing for kids who are “active”. What a bunch of B.S.

      Look up Micheal Jackson and see what he said about “not having a real childhood”.

      Report Post » Cosmos102  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:31am

      Come on, you know that polar opposites are not the only choices. Both extremes are odd and both are (probably) unhealthy.

      Report Post »  
    • Rightofwayne
      Posted on March 24, 2012 at 10:47am

      Hey Duchy, that is a unrealistic choice you are giving us. Both ends of the spectrum are not the norm. Come on and get real. I do think the parents have pushed the kid too far, but agree that it is better than letting him just turn into a couch potato playing X-Box all day.

      Report Post »  
  • Bonnieblue2A
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:06am

    Great way to tie a child’s self-esteem to his physical appearance as well as help them become predisposed to eating disorders. Nothing wrong with active and fit children but extremes like this are harmful to the child.

    Report Post »  
  • Cosmos102
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:03am

    That’s just plain weird.

    Report Post » Cosmos102  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:07am

      My thoughts, too — very weird. And I seriously doubt that it’s healthy.

      Report Post »  
    • mharry860
      Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:41am

      Good thing he’s not a girl, that messes them up. Oh wait, maybe he is.

      Report Post » mharry860  

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