The Mayo Clinic Staff recently published information on the safety of strength training for youth. In short, yes, strength training can be very beneficial for young athletes, and for those who just want to look and feel better. But, for safety, strength training for kids is different from your typical weightlifting.
For kids, proper technique and safety make all the difference, as well as using light resistance and controlled movements. Kids should not be power lifting or bodybuilding, no matter how many action heroes and heroines they see on TV. A young person’s muscles, tendons, and growth plates aren’t ready yet for lifting larger amounts of weight.
When done correctly, strength training is wonderful for people of all ages. For your younger athlete, strength training will increase muscle strength and endurance, protect muscles and joints from sports-related injuries, and improve performance in nearly every sport from dancing to skating to football. And for those who aren’t athletes, strength training still strengthens bones, promotes health blood pressure and cholesterol, helps maintain a healthy weight, and improves confidence and self-esteem.
If you have questions about preventing sports injuries, or are interested in learning proper techniques for you or your kids, consider one of the practitioners at Absolute Wellness Center, including chiropractic sports physician Michael Herb. We are happy to answer any questions you may have at 541-484-5777.
To read the entire article on WebMD, click here: Is weight training safe for kids?