As youth sports participation increases and sports in general become more competitive, more athletes are turning to strength training to try to gain the competive edge. But with the growing popularity of strength training programs have come numerous reports, studies, and statistics, many of which are misleading. Based on some reports, you may be one of the many wondering "Is my child too young to participate in strength training?" Before you run in the opposite direction of the weight area, let's set the record straight!
MYTH #1
If my child starts strength training too early, it will stunt his growth!
FACT
This fear stems primarily from early reports of potential damage to growth plates. However, more recent studuies have shown that with proper training and techniques, strength training can actually reduce the risk of damage to growth plates, joints, and soft tissues. Studies have also shown that strength training in young children will thicken bones through increased bone density.
MYTH #2
Strength training can cause serious injuries!
FACT
Actually, strength training can help reduce the risk of injuries in adolescents. Studies have shown that the potentially serious injuries reported were a result of power lifting, which focuses on maximum lifting abilities, as opposed to strength training, which focuses on resistance methods. The majority of injuries from strength training, when they occur, are muscle strains. A competently supervised training program led by certified coaches will reduce this risk.
MYTH #3
My child is too young to see any real improvements from strength training.
FACT
Studies show that children as young as 6 can see improvements in strenth when adhering to specific guidlines. While pre-adolescents will not see increase in actual muschle size, there will be noticeable gains in muscle strength and motor fitness skills, such as jumping and sprinting.
Strength Training at Velocity Sports Performance
The most significant component of a strength progam is certified, kowledgeable, and experienced supervision. At Velocity Sports Performance, we require all coaches to be degreed and certified, and have experience coaching at different levels. Our coaches have degrees in Exercise Science or a related field, and are certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, including many with certification as a United States Weightlifting Club Coach.
Safety is our top priority, so we begin by teaching proper technique, and teaching athletes how to be safe and aware in a weight room setting. We will begin strength training programs with athletes as young as 6, but keep in mind that strength training does not necessarily imply weights. For our younger athletes, the majority of strength training centers around body weight, meaning that they are using their own body weight as resistance to build strength. This can be accomplished through exercises such as squats, lunges, pull-ups, crunches, push-ups, and pre-hab exercises, which are used to help prevent injuries. For our older, adolescent atheletes, once competency and proper technique is demonstrated, we will begin to add resistance such as weights, dumbbells, and barbells. But because technique diminishes as weight increases, it is crucial for out coaches to continues monitoring proper technique, and remove weights if necessary to help prevent potential injuries related to improper technique.
Continued strength training allows athletes to reach their genetic potential. Studies have shown that after just 6 weeks of discontinuing a strength program, improvements in muscle strength are reduced. Therefore at Velocity Sports Performance we have strength programs that allow athletes to continue to improve and maintain strength levels both in and off-season.
Young athletes are taught proper technique as
MYTH #1
If my child starts strength training too early, it will stunt his growth!
FACT
This fear stems primarily from early reports of potential damage to growth plates. However, more recent studuies have shown that with proper training and techniques, strength training can actually reduce the risk of damage to growth plates, joints, and soft tissues. Studies have also shown that strength training in young children will thicken bones through increased bone density.
MYTH #2
Strength training can cause serious injuries!
FACT
Actually, strength training can help reduce the risk of injuries in adolescents. Studies have shown that the potentially serious injuries reported were a result of power lifting, which focuses on maximum lifting abilities, as opposed to strength training, which focuses on resistance methods. The majority of injuries from strength training, when they occur, are muscle strains. A competently supervised training program led by certified coaches will reduce this risk.
MYTH #3
My child is too young to see any real improvements from strength training.
FACT
Studies show that children as young as 6 can see improvements in strenth when adhering to specific guidlines. While pre-adolescents will not see increase in actual muschle size, there will be noticeable gains in muscle strength and motor fitness skills, such as jumping and sprinting.
Strength Training at Velocity Sports Performance
The most significant component of a strength progam is certified, kowledgeable, and experienced supervision. At Velocity Sports Performance, we require all coaches to be degreed and certified, and have experience coaching at different levels. Our coaches have degrees in Exercise Science or a related field, and are certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, including many with certification as a United States Weightlifting Club Coach.
Safety is our top priority, so we begin by teaching proper technique, and teaching athletes how to be safe and aware in a weight room setting. We will begin strength training programs with athletes as young as 6, but keep in mind that strength training does not necessarily imply weights. For our younger athletes, the majority of strength training centers around body weight, meaning that they are using their own body weight as resistance to build strength. This can be accomplished through exercises such as squats, lunges, pull-ups, crunches, push-ups, and pre-hab exercises, which are used to help prevent injuries. For our older, adolescent atheletes, once competency and proper technique is demonstrated, we will begin to add resistance such as weights, dumbbells, and barbells. But because technique diminishes as weight increases, it is crucial for out coaches to continues monitoring proper technique, and remove weights if necessary to help prevent potential injuries related to improper technique.
Continued strength training allows athletes to reach their genetic potential. Studies have shown that after just 6 weeks of discontinuing a strength program, improvements in muscle strength are reduced. Therefore at Velocity Sports Performance we have strength programs that allow athletes to continue to improve and maintain strength levels both in and off-season.
Young athletes are taught proper technique as
they use bodyweight to strength train
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