Nine-year-old Body Builder

Bullies beware: There’s a 9-year-old bodybuilder from Romania who’s just begging for someone to try to take his lunch money!

Giuliano Stroe is a weightlifting prodigy who has been showing off his astonishing feats of strength since he was a toddler, Central European News reports.

Parents Lulian and Lleana are big advocates for staying fit and have fully supported their son’s physical prowess. Giuliano and his younger brother, Claudiu, have been pumping iron from the time they took their first steps — something they believe is perfectly healthy.

“Critics say that the boys won’t grow properly, but there’s no proof of that,” said Lulian. “Hard work and exercise are always good.”

Weightlifting may improve strength in teens and preteens, but Dr. Teri M. McCambridge, who chairs the American Academy of Pediatrics, believes a child shouldn’t begin working out until they are at least 7 or 8, according to WebMD.

At this age, a child’s balance and posture begin to come into maturity and start strengthening themselves, the academy reports.

”The younger they are, we recommend light weights, proper form, higher repetitions,” she said. “They won’t get bulky and big like an adult, but will have increased strength.”

When it was time to go back to school this year, Giuliano wanted to show off his amazing power and let his classmates know he was still a beast — so he created a video of his most impressive physical moves.

The bodybuilding boy wonder can be seen balancing himself on nothing but his hands, lifting himself completely vertical and gracefully lowering his body until he is even with his arms stiff.

“He was very excited about going back to school and he wanted to show his friends he hasn’t been slacking during the holidays,” said Lulian. “Giuliano is a good pupil and a very bright boy academically, but of course his favorite lesson is always PE.” - New York Post