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Over the past 10 years, resistance training has become an important component of fitness programs for children and adolescents. Despite the previous contention that resistance training was inappropriate or unsafe for young athletes, the safety and effectiveness of this training are now well documented, and the acceptance of youth strength training by medical and fitness organizations has become almost universal. In addition to enhancing muscular strength, regular participation in a resistance-training program has the potential to strengthen bones, facilitate weight control, enhance psychosocial well-being, and improve cardiovascular risk profile. More recent findings suggest that a highly trained musculoskeletal system may also increase resistance to injury and possibly improve an athlete's capacity to recover from sprains, strains, and fractures (Faigenbaum & Schram. 2004).
The position Statement of the National Strength and Conditioning Association states the following in regard to: Youth Resistance Training
It is the current position of the NSCA that:
1. A properly designed and supervised resistance program is safe for children.
2. A properly designed and supervised resistance program can increase the strength of children.
3. A properly designed and supervised resistance program can help to enhance the motor fitness skills and sport performance of children.
4. A properly designed and supervised resistance program can help prevent injuries in youth sports and recreational activities.
5. A properly designed and supervised resistance program can help to improve the psychological well-being of children.
6. A properly designed and supervised resistance program can enhance the overall health of children.
Take Home Message!
While for many years it was considered unsafe for children to partake in resistance training the current thinking is that it is safe and desirable for children to undertake resistance training. The main point is for the program and training to be implemented by an experienced professional in Strength and Conditioning!
References
Avery D. Faigenbaum, EdD, CSCS University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts
Jaynie Schram, MPH, MS, PT, ATC, CSCS University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Can Resistance Training Reduce Injuries in Youth Sports?
Strength and Conditioning Journal: Vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 16–21.
National Strength and Conditioning Association Position Paper 2008
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