Should Kids Strength Train?

Kids as young as age 6 lifting weights

-Is strength training safe for my kids?

-Will strength training stunned my kid's growth?

Many of us have came across these questions?

Strength training generally safe when it is well designed, steadily progressive and carefully monitored by our certified strength and conditioning specialist or certified fitness practitioner. Just like any other adults who participate in fitness activities, the benefits are tremendous. It is only not safe when are not closely supervised using proper technique and appropriate weights or when kids are goofing around that will lead to increase the injury incidents.

In fact, kids should participate in strength & conditioning program to improve their sports performance and MOST IMPORTANTLY is build injury resiliency.

What are the some common benefits of strength training?

1) Improves sports performance

2) Improves overall fitness

3) Increase bone density

4) Increase lean body mass

5) Boost mental health & focus

6) Build self esteem and confidence level

On the other side if your kids' loves sports and are competitive, parents should definitely encourage their kids to participate in sports along with proper strength training program to ensure their kids can realize their potential, talent and create success in themselves.

Often times we have seen kids drop out and give up on their sports due to following reasons;

1) Injury or repeated injury incidents that causes frustration

2) Burn out due extremely difficult sports program and unable to follow

3) NO improvement in performance in their sports

4) Fatigue & illness that leads to over training and under recovery

In fact properly designed strength training program itself will reduce all of the following and it should be taught as FUN, engaging, interactive and motivating. Movement based workout should be first taught at the start of the program. Getting your kids to move around such as jogging, running, side shuffling or crawling to improve motor coordination, balance, stability and general conditioning. From there gradually implement body weight strength exercises to increase muscular strength.

Before engaging in any sports and fitness activities, you should talk to your doctor or physicians before participating any sports or strength training program. Kids with certain medical conditions will need an approval from their doctor before participating in any programs.

Hope it help. Cheers!

Further readings at:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445252/