I am frequently asked if it is ok for a child to lift weights, often by parents and children involved in year-round sports. The answer is a definite ‘yes’ as long as the goals and expectations are realistic. There are published studies citing the effectiveness of progressive strength training. These studies used lower weight with up to 15 reps per set. The ability for a muscle to get bigger, or ‘bulk up’ doesn’t become significant until after puberty so set realistic expectations. Perseverance seems to pay off in that the longer a child trains over time, the greater chance for further gains in strength.
While there is no minimum age, I typically don’t see kids or parents talking about this until age 7 or 8. There are several benefits to a strength program besides the obvious improvements in strength and endurance. Lifting weights will help protect joints from injury. Stronger bones are also a result. Weight lifting always helps to promote a healthy lifestyle and create good habits for later in life.
Strength training at a young age has real merit. Focus on correct technique performs reps slowly and carefully. Use a lower weight that is easily controllableEasy TV shop brings you the best product for you that will give buy line viagra you great confidence. side effects of viagra The medicine is easily available at authorized medical store. Pharmaceutical raw materials suppliers remind that there are many other ways that you can buying cialis in spain use both the Bluze capsule and the Mast Mood massage oil to get stiffer and long lasting erection, and improves the desire for lovemaking. There cialis cipla are various reasons due to which this sexual health gets affected. . Plan on a weight that allows for 12-15 reps. Carefully supervise kids as to their technique and program to help minimize injury. Stick with it several times a week and you will see definite changes. Remember to have fun !
Dr. Scott Hacker is a Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon in San Diego, CA, Team Surgeon to the US Olympic Team. He specializes in sports medicine and sports injuries, knee and shoulder surgery.
If you have questions about weight lifting or strength training in kids, please feel free to contact me at Ask Dr. Hacker or through my office.
If you found this useful, please write a comment or review!
Leave A Comment