Does Strength Training Hurt Kids? Published Sept. 18, 2014 By Jeffery Vaughn 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- No! Nothing could be further from the truth. Guidelines published by the National Strength and Conditioning Association in 2009 state it is beneficial not only for sports participation but also for general health and well-being. According to an article in Clinical Sports Medicine, kids (ages 7 and up) who participate in supervised strength training programs build stronger bones, promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, help maintain a healthy weight, and build healthy self-esteem. Strength training is a win-win for the kids. Unfortunately, myths still prevail in the area of children and weight training with little or no anecdotal evidence to support the claims. One myth, without evidence for support, is that strength training causes growth plate damage and stunted growth. For example, young gymnasts will place 10 to 100 times more impact on bones and growth plates when dismounting the balance beam or uneven bars. However, evidence shows that gymnasts actually have some of the strongest bones of young athletes and grow to their genetic potential. Very few injuries have been reported with supervised strength training in kids, but other activities such as soccer and football have been associated with significantly higher injury rates. This is not meant to deter participation in soccer and football, but rather to provide a useful comparison. Properly supervised strength training programs provide kids with better functional movement patterns, increased neurological recruitment, and increased muscular strength, which translate into lower injury rates and better health as they age. In children who are overweight, strength training may be the best physical activity alternative to get these kids active. Strength training in kids has the added benefit of strengthening both physical and mental health. Physically, kids who participate in supervised strength training burn calories, get stronger, and increase metabolism by using small, high intensity bursts of activity, which they can do easily. Mentally, it builds self-esteem by helping kids become naturally stronger and improving performance. Everyone wants a place where they can excel, and the weight room can be their kingdom. The most important part of the strength training equation is supervision. Because proper instruction is important to reduce injuries and improve performance, it's not uncommon for parents to hire martial arts instructors, dance teachers, and gymnastics coaches to train their kids to perform movements correctly. These same principles should apply to strength training. It is a misconception to think that training is not required simply because weight training equipment is widely available at sporting goods stores. Strength training requires instruction on technique, and if ignored, this could possibly lead to a potential injury. In summary, strength training, when performed correctly and with supervision, can be one of the best things you can do for your kid's physical and mental health.
Does Strength Training Hurt Kids? Published Sept. 18, 2014 By Jeffery Vaughn 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- No! Nothing could be further from the truth. Guidelines published by the National Strength and Conditioning Association in 2009 state it is beneficial not only for sports participation but also for general health and well-being. According to an article in Clinical Sports Medicine, kids (ages 7 and up) who participate in supervised strength training programs build stronger bones, promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, help maintain a healthy weight, and build healthy self-esteem. Strength training is a win-win for the kids. Unfortunately, myths still prevail in the area of children and weight training with little or no anecdotal evidence to support the claims. One myth, without evidence for support, is that strength training causes growth plate damage and stunted growth. For example, young gymnasts will place 10 to 100 times more impact on bones and growth plates when dismounting the balance beam or uneven bars. However, evidence shows that gymnasts actually have some of the strongest bones of young athletes and grow to their genetic potential. Very few injuries have been reported with supervised strength training in kids, but other activities such as soccer and football have been associated with significantly higher injury rates. This is not meant to deter participation in soccer and football, but rather to provide a useful comparison. Properly supervised strength training programs provide kids with better functional movement patterns, increased neurological recruitment, and increased muscular strength, which translate into lower injury rates and better health as they age. In children who are overweight, strength training may be the best physical activity alternative to get these kids active. Strength training in kids has the added benefit of strengthening both physical and mental health. Physically, kids who participate in supervised strength training burn calories, get stronger, and increase metabolism by using small, high intensity bursts of activity, which they can do easily. Mentally, it builds self-esteem by helping kids become naturally stronger and improving performance. Everyone wants a place where they can excel, and the weight room can be their kingdom. The most important part of the strength training equation is supervision. Because proper instruction is important to reduce injuries and improve performance, it's not uncommon for parents to hire martial arts instructors, dance teachers, and gymnastics coaches to train their kids to perform movements correctly. These same principles should apply to strength training. It is a misconception to think that training is not required simply because weight training equipment is widely available at sporting goods stores. Strength training requires instruction on technique, and if ignored, this could possibly lead to a potential injury. In summary, strength training, when performed correctly and with supervision, can be one of the best things you can do for your kid's physical and mental health.