Teenagers and Cardio Training?

My son is 14 and we just joined the YMCA. He's been doing a little cardio training there. He's been running and rowing and biking.

Question is: Is it a good idea for young men to do cardio. Im concerned about him burning too many calories. He is QUITE slim. Perhaps it might be better for him to do some light weight lifting and other strength training. Any one out there have ideas or opinions?

Thanks!!

Wow. I had no idea! Thank you all!

Is it safe for him to lift light weights? They have some weight machines in the young people rooms at the YMCA.

Actually it is weight training that needs to be closely monitored. Growing boys can develop muscle faster than the tendons and ligaments can keep up with.
Let your boy do all the cardio he wants. Any eating disorders aside, he will eat sufficiently to support any cardio level he chooses.

Cardio is important to straighten his heart. He must do it. The difference is that he doesn't have weight to lose so he only needs it for a half an hour a day. It would be good to add other stuff too but don't deny him cardio.

Actually aerobic training is by far the safest training for youth and can begin as young as 6 years old. By 13 you may even begin to start pre-training for the olympics in competitions such as running and swimming

Its perfectly healthy. Its a good thing he is keeping active, it'll stick with him up into adulthood if he continues. Just dont let him start heavy weight training right away, it'll stun his growth.

omg nooooo !!! do not use weights dammit !!! it will ruin his puberty growth !!!. after he hits it he will get bigger and stronger

yes it is a good idea :)