As parents, we want our children to grow up strong and healthy. We have seen the benefits of strength training with adults, but what about children and youth athletes?
There have been many myths and misconceptions surrounding strength training for children and youth athletes, but with recent information and education, it has been found that strength training is as beneficial in children as it is in adults.
Strength training in children and youth athletes helps to improve performance, decreases the risk of sport-related injuries, creates a foundation for an active lifestyle, builds confidence, and protects against the onset of diseases as children mature.
So, what are these misconceptions and myths surrounding strength training in children?
As parents, we play a crucial role in dispelling these myths and misconceptions surrounding strength training in children. Let's take a closer look at some of these common misconceptions:
It Stunts a Child Growth
Let's address one of the most common myths and questions parents ask: 'Does strength training stunt a child's growth?'
We understand where this myth stems from; however, under professional guidance that prioritizes safety, a structured program that caters to the child's needs and teaches the correct fundamental movement patterns will improve a child's strength and positively affect a child's growth.
Many of the best strengthening exercises for children are not those done with weights but with resistance bands and body weight.
It's Dangerous
It's a common concern that strength training might be dangerous for children.
However, when done under professional supervision, it's relatively safe.
Yes, children can get injured lifting heavy, incorrectly, and unsupervised. However, a structured strength training program, with the proper guidance, will make children less susceptible to injuries.
However, a strength training program will make children less susceptible to injuries under professional supervision.
A recent study highlighted that strengthening training can help prevent common sport-related injuries, manage conditions like diabetes, prevent or help treat obesity, and improve mental health.
Strength training strengthens a child's bones and muscles and can help improve their endurance, self-esteem, and sports performance.
Strength Training is only for Athletes
Strength training is not just for athletes trying to get an edge on the field or court. It's for every child, regardless of their athletic aspirations. There are many benefits for all children who take part in strength training. It can positively affect their cardiovascular system, strength, mental health, and wellness.
There are many benefits for all children who take part in strength training. It can positively affect their cardiovascular system, strength, mental health, and wellness.
It also has the potential to set up children for a lifelong love of fitness and training.
Girls will get bulky from Strength Training.
The myth that girls get bulky from strength training is far from the truth.
Gaining muscle mass takes a lot of time and effort, but qualities such as strength and power can be improved in girls without a significant increase in muscle mass.
Strength training for girls is just as beneficial as for boys or more. When young female athletes reach puberty, they are at risk of energy deficiency syndrome.
This happens when young female athletes expend more calories than they consume, which could put them at risk of stress fractures.
Strength Training can help them build their bone structure and make them more resilient to stress factors.
Girls may not have the same testosterone levels as boys, however, but they will reap the same benefits as boys in terms of strength and power.
Strength training is not only safe for children but highly beneficial. Children will see increased muscle strength and power in a well-structured and professional program.
However, the most significant takeaways from strength training for children are increased bone density, a decrease in heart rate, body fat percentage, and blood pressure.
Through disciplined strength training, strength training will help children build confidence and maturity.
If you would like to find out more about strength training in children and youth athletes, I would recommend the following books:
Training and Conditioning Youth Athletes
Total Training for Young Champions
Comentários