Is Weight Training Safe for Kids?

The simple answer is yes. As long as the child is involved in a proper strength and conditioning program that focuses on proper technique and form, he or she can reap the benefits of it. There has been mixed feelings on whether kids should be strength training. One of the most common concerns is that a child will injure their growth plates. This is not the case. A child is far more likely to injure the growth plate during sports or even on the playground. Stunting the child’s growth is another worry people have. There has not been any study that has shown weight training can stunt a child’s growth. The concern comes when the child is using way more weight than he or she can handle or if their form is completely wrong.

Benefits of strength training include:

-Increased strength

-Increased endurance

-Injury prevention

-Improved performance

-Promotes a healthy lifestyle

-Strong foundation of lifting for when he or she is older

-Maintaining a healthy body composition

-Increased confidence

-Improved body awareness

-Improved posture

Here are some guidelines to follow when getting involved in a strength program:

-The main focus should be proper technique. Quality of the reps is what matters most

-Have a certified instructor facilitating the workout

-Warm up before workouts and cool down after workouts

-Start off easy. Learn the proper form before adding any type of resistance

-Make sure the exercises are controlled, not explosive lifts

-Focus on all of the major muscle groups