Resistance Training For Kids A Good Thing?

Having kids perform resistance training has been long pressed in a negative light. Pediatricians typically recommend children stay away from lifting weights in fear that it will stunt their growth and injure them. New academic studies and progressive fitness experts are beginning to advise otherwise.

Forget the image of the muscle-bound man or woman straining and sweating under a metal barbell with 40, 50 or even hundreds of pounds of weight. Physical education researchers say children as young as 5 or 6 years old can strengthen their muscles and bones by strength and resistance training.

When properly performed, strength training can increase bone density and muscle mass as well as tendon and ligament strength. It can also improve joint function. This "preconditioning" can help kids avoid injury in the gym or on the sports field.- NPR 

Speaking from personal experience, I began doing resistance training, plyometrics and agility training at about ten years old. I remember actually having a conversation with my father about wanting to be in better shape for my next season in football. My dad got me going with some five pound dumbbells doing some really basic movements and in fact I learned my first clean and press with a little fifteen pound bar! Combined with some basic LIGHT resistance training I also did jump rope, hops, jumps and footwork drills using aerobic steps. That next season in football I really excelled and I guess that's where you can say my love for training and fitness kicked in.

The important part of this story is my dad helped show me how to exercise safely and properly at an early age. He also helped me work towards a goal and we achieved it. The result? I'm a kid who grew up with healthy lifestyle choices ingrained in my being and now I am here sharing my fitness passion with all of you! Don't be afraid to ask for help from a trainer or strength coach and do what's right for your kid by showing them how to exercise properly!