Dispelling the Myths About Youth Strength Training

Can children do strength-training exercise? YES!
Should children do strength-training exercise? YES!

One common objection to youth strength training is that youth can’t build muscle due to lack of testosterone. Studies have shown that children can indeed build muscle – an average of 2.5 lbs. in two months!

A similar objection is that youth can’t build strength due to lack of testosterone. Again, studies have shown that children can indeed gain strength—as much as 65% in two months.
Yet another myth that has been perpetuated is strength training can adversely affect skeletal development. Instead, it significantly increases bone mineral density in preadolescents. Studies have shown strength training to be beneficial to the bones of growing children, especially girls, increasing bone mineral density by 6.2% in 9-10 year olds who did simple strength exercises.

Some say that children should not strength train because the chance of injury is too great. No case of serious injury has ever been reported in the medical literature when a sensible and supervised program is followed.

Others have contended strength training is a waste of time, saying that strength gains in children are very temporary and thus provide no advantage for participants. The research shows otherwise, with strength trained youth still significantly stronger than their peers after two months without training.

And finally, youth athletes perform better and with less injury than athletes who have not built a strong musculoskeletal system through strength training.

The physical benefits for children who do strength training include:

· More muscle strength
· More connective tissue strength
· More bone strength
· Reduced injury risk

The personal benefits for children who do strength training include:

· Leaner body composition
· Enhanced physical capacity
· Greater self-confidence and self-esteem
· Opportunity for cooperation and leadership

If this is an area of training that sounds interesting, you should consider continuing your education with advanced training to safely and effectively work with the youth of  all ages and fitness levels. An excellent home-study CEC course that is recognized by all major certification organizations in the US and Canada is:

JrFit: Youth Fitness Specialty Certification

This in depth program (worth 19-24 CECs) will teach already certified and experienced personal trainers, lifestyle coaches, and athletic trainers to safely and effectively train youth ages 7-17.

American Academy of Health and Fitness: Fitness Specialty Certifications and Continuing Education Home Study Courses for Health and Fitness Professionals