Strength Training For Kids
Strength training for kids? You bet! Done properly, it offers many benefits to young athletes. Strength training is even a good idea for kids who simply want to look and feel better. In fact, this form of exercise might put your child on a lifetime path to better health and fitness.
Strength training, not weightlifting
Don’t confuse strength training with weightlifting, bodybuilding or powerlifting. Trying to build big muscles can put too much strain on young muscles, tendons and areas of cartilage that haven’t yet turned to bone (growth plates) — especially when proper technique is sacrificed in favour of lifting larger amounts of weight.
For kids, light resistance and controlled movements are best — with a special emphasis on proper technique and safety. Your child can do many strength training exercises with his or her own body weight or inexpensive resistance tubing. Free weights and machine weights are other options.
For kids, what are the benefits of strength training?
Done properly, strength training can:
- Increase your child's muscle strength and endurance
- Help protect your child's muscles and joints from sports-related injuries
- Help improve your child's performance in nearly any sport, from dancing and figure skating to football and soccer
- Develop proper techniques that your child can continue to use as he or she grows older
Keep in mind that strength training isn’t only for athletes. Even if your child isn’t interested in sports, strength training can:
- Strengthen your child's bones
- Help promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Help your child maintain a healthy weight
- Improve your child's confidence and self-esteem
When can a child begin strength training?
During childhood, kids improve their body awareness, control and balance through active play. As early as age 7 or 8, however, strength training can become a valuable part of an overall fitness plan — as long as the child is mature enough to follow directions and able to practice proper technique and form.
