Dr. Jay Williams does a fantastic job conveying the important roll resistance training plays in a child’s success in both sport and day to day activities and at an age as early as 5 and 6 years old. In 2009, The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) updated their position on youth resistance training and listed 7 final conclusions:
1. Is relatively safe
2. Can enhance the muscular strength and power in youth
3. Can improve the cardiovascular risk profile in youth
4. Can improve motor skill performance and may enhance sports performance in youth
5. Can increase a young athlete’s resistance to sports-related injury
6. Can help improve the psychological well-being of youth
7. Can promote and develop exercise habits during childhood and adolescents
To paint a better picture, as I know it might be difficult to imagine your child participating in a resistance training program prior to high school sports, we must better convey that “resistance training” is not just barbells and heavy weights. As your child develops, the focus of their training program will adapt including the equipment or methods used to reach the goals of the program. Programs may and will include body weight exercises, resistant bands, medicine balls, and age appropriate weights that allow for better functionality of the program. Plyometrics and other methods of functional training are used to build strength, coordination, and develop overall fitness in youth participants.
With many parents sharing common fears such as: stunting growth, damaging growth plates, and causing injury, The NSCA and other current research has found little or no evidence supporting the fears in question. Injury is minimal and almost all injuries are found when improper supervision was provided. Without a doubt, the benefits outweigh the risks and when instructed by professional and knowledgeable coaches, it can only aid in a youth athlete’s ability to reach their potential on and off the field.
Jr. Fit Strength & Fitness 