A weightlifting program can benefit preadolescent athletes by improving not only their strength but also their body mass composition, and self-esteem.
There are some studies that have suggested weight training might harm a child’s growth, and lead to injuries. According to Jeffrey Nepple, MD at Washington University Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Physician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, “Growing children should not lift weights with the goal of lifting as much as they can. It’s safer for them to start with lighter weights and do higher repetitions of an exercise”.
Before allowing your child to lift weights, you should consult with a pediatrician. If the pediatrician approves of your child lifting weights, make sure you select a trainer that has a history of training youth athletes. Be very picky. Before signing up, you should meet and observe the trainer’s workout sessions to ensure that you are comfortable with their training style and regiment.
Here are some do’s and don’ts for strength training:
Do:
● Make sure kids are watched and taught by a trained professional, such as a certified physical therapist or personal trainer.
● Make sure your child is performing low weight, high repetition sets.
● Make sure they are participating in other activities, such as running and swimming.
Don’t:
● Allow children younger than 7 years old to lift weights.
● Force young athletes to lift weights if they don’t want to.
● Let children of any age focus on “powerlifting.”
“Strength training can be a wonderful part of a sports program,” Dr. Nepple says. “It can improve performance and help reduce the chance of an injury, but children should want to do this and know that they must follow directions.”
References: Nepple, Jeffrey, MD, “Should Child Athletes Lift Weights?” Retrieved https://www.stlouischildrens.org/health-resources/pulse/should-child-athletes-lift-weights
