It wasn't too long ago that strength training for adolescence was thought to be taboo, and it would put developing bodies at greater risk of bone damage and growth plate injury. These stunted growth myths have become old-school thinking. More than a decade of research has found that, if properly supervised and planned, strength training for kids is perfectly safe. The important thing is not to overdo it, as body building and competitive weight lifting should not be done.
So when would it be okay for kids to start weight training? According to Avery Faigenbaum, who is a professor of exercise science at the College of New Jersey, when they have an interest in it and can accept and follow directions. For some children that could be as early as seven or eight years old. The fact is, it does them good. More athletes and non-athletes are now into it to increase muscle strength and endurance, to improve motor skills and for overall fitness.
Many boys are more than eager to get started on a weight training program, but girls are now getting into it as well. There was a time girls were afraid they would develop big, bulky muscles. However they now understand that they do not produce enough testosterone to build large muscles. They still will feel and be stronger, and that and better health will build confidence.
Some of the guidelines for strength training programs for adolescence are:
1. First and foremost, all training should be done supervised by a qualified instructor who is trained to work with youths.
2. Strength training should not be done on consecutive days, and no more than three times per week. On other days the focus should be on flexibility and aerobics.
3. Each session should begin with a warm-up such as jumping rope, but never with stretching.
4. Part of the value this brings to the child is the education in learning proper techniques and principles for exercise at a young age. Understanding the necessities of proper warm-up and cool-down periods, and learning how to conduct training that is safe will be with the youngster for a lifetime.
5. Balance, coordination, and flexibility are should all be part of a challenging but broad-based training agenda in the beginner workout schedule.
6. Weight machines and free weights aren't the only way to train. How to gain muscle without weights show multiple approaches to get the job done, and they may provide some variety to keep the child interested. Weighted ropes, medicine balls, body weight resistance and elastic tubing are other devices that can be used effectively.
7. The cool down period can incorporate stretching plus less intense calisthenics. It is safest to have the exercises performed without resistance, and when the particular technique is mastered only then gradually increase the amount of resistance. A trainer will know when greater resistance can be taken on as the child matures.
As with adults, a strength training program should be individualized based on goals, present abilities, and where the child is mentally. It is vital that the trainer has experience working with kids, as a child's training program should never be a scaled-down version of an adult's regimen. It must be an enjoyable experience, or he or she will merely lose interest.
Getting your children involved in strength training involves a qualified trainer and a Beginner Workout Schedule. The Best Way to Gain Muscle involves proper diet and a long-term plan to meet your goals. Rich Carroll is a writer and health enthusiast living in London.
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