Most Frequently Asked Questions About Strength Training for Kids
Gone are the days were anyone under the age of 16 couldn’t even think about entering a gym. Now, we see more and more athletes incorporating strength training at a younger age. Is this a good thing? Yes! Do we still need to be cautious? You betcha!
Why do we need caution when involving kids in strength training?
Bottom line, avoiding injuries. Strength programs for any age should be specific to the individual. You can’t expect a kid to be able to complete a program designed for adults. Also, the gym should not be seen as a playground and therefore proper education should be given prior to commencing or introducing equipment. Kids need constant supervision when performing strength training.
The Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) highly recommend that strength training in kids should always be performed under the supervision of a qualified professional.
If there’s all these things to worry about then why do it?
Incorporating strength training earlier can actually be really beneficial to the individual. By starting at a young age, it will introduce movement fundamentals early on, making it easier when their older. Too many athletes are reaching the top end of sport presenting with limitations in athletic and functional abilities, as well as a long list of injuries. ASCA have composed a guideline on youth strength training which provides recommendations on how to safely assess and prescribe exercise based on their training age, age, and strength abilities.
What should be considered when training young athletes?
Each program prescribed should carefully consider the physical qualities of the athlete, long-term goals of the athlete and the maturation process, both emotional and physical. These should be constantly revalued.
How young is too young to start strength training?
From the age of 6, incorporating strength straining can be considered. It is most important the child can follow clear directions and understands basic safety considerations. Each child is different! Children are more likely to get injuries in the gym from dropping weights on fingers or toes and hitting their heads on bars. Even though someone may be safe to start strength training, doesn’t mean they are immediately given dumbbells. Even body weight exercises are considered strength training and it is usually where we start! Eg squats, push ups, lunges.
What are the long term goals of strength training in kids?
In order to have a long healthy career or involvement in sport, it is important that younger athletes learn how to train, before training to win. Focus should be on building a solid training foundation, followed by improving body/joint/limb control and stability. Once they are an adult, they will be well-rounded and able to safely train with increased load leading to better training outcomes.
My daughter is an 11 and a state level swimmer, can you give her a specific strength program for swimming?
Even though I’m happy to include some sport specific exercises where necessary, the focus on strength training for kids should be to develop a well-rounded athlete. By placing sole focus on one sport at an early age, your child may miss the opportunity to be involved with another sport later in life. Remember kids bodies will continue to grow, a child who may be perceived as too short for basketball in grade 8, could have a big growth spurt in grade 11. Try not to close doors too early. Encouraging your child to be a well-rounded athlete will benefit in the long run, more than likely will also help their current sport anyway.
Where to next?
If you’re interested in introducing strength training to your child I recommend booking in an Exercise Physiology initial consult. In this session we will discuss health and training history, goals and perform a Long Term Athlete Development screen. From here we will develop a plan, discuss recommendations for training, and prescribe a specific training program based on age, maturity, training history, competition and current strength abilities.
At Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health, we also have small group strength & conditioning classes JUST FOR KIDS! Our classes are supervised by our Strength & Conditioning Coaches so that your child can begin in a safe and nurturing environment (& health fund rebates may be available even though we keep the cost down anyway!).
For more information, phone the clinic on 07 5500 6470
