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Dispelling Myths about Youth Strength TrainingDate: 05.07.2007
Posted by: Anabolic Info Team United States
We don’t hesitate to put our children in sports, let them climb, jump and swing from trees, all activities that put a large demand on the body and have a risk of injury. However, ask a parent to allow their child to weight lift and watch how fast they shake their head “NO”. As a former coach, physical education teacher and a fitness professional, I feel that it’s important to dispel the myths that keep parents from placing their child in activities that are proven beneficial. Here’s the facts…
Myth #1: Strength Training will stunt a child’s growth Research does not exist to support the theory (nor has it ever been proven) that strength training will stunt a child’s growth.
Myth #2: Strength Training is harmful to children Strength Training has many benefits for youth:
1. Children involved in sport put an extraordinary amount of force and stress on their body. Strength training prepares the body to meet the demands of running, jumping, throwing and change of direction. In fact, when learning from a qualified strength and conditioning coach not only will a child gain the strength necessary to meet the physical demands of the sport, they will also learn how to jump and land properly. Therefore, reducing the risk of injury.
2. Postural alignment – exercises taught with proper form and technique will improve posture.
3. Increased self esteem – children are placed in a non competitive environment that creates success.
4. Strength training has been shown to have a favorable influence on the blood lipid profile of prepubescents.
It is important to understand that strength training for youth is not bodybuilding, or powerlifting. Strength training for youth focuses on proper form, technique, core strength, balance, postural alignment and boost self esteem.
What are the factors that one should consider before allowing a child to lift? Children are not miniature adults and should not be trained as such. They must be placed in a structured program taught by qualified certified professionals. This is your child, don’t hesitate to ask questions about a trainer/teachers qualifications. You should look for an instructor/Personal Trainer who holds a national certification (ex: NSCA, ACSM, NASM). Ask about their experience with training youth and their philosophy. Lastly, don’t ever be afraid to ask for a reference!
Why shouldn’t I be able to train my child? No offense parents but I rarely see an adult lifting in the gym that understands appropriate progression, program design or proper form and technique. The scary thing is…you pass on all your bad habits to your child reinforcing poor movement patterns. Invest in personal training sessions or a qualified class for your child. Believe it or not, they’ll probably be able to teach you a thing or two in a few months!
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