Weak Fitness

Resistance training, weight training, and weight training all relate to the use of free weights and/or weight machines to raise muscular strength and muscular endurance.

Weight and power lifting involve the use of free weights (usually heavier than those used in weight training).

Some of the major lifts engaged in during weight and power lifting may cause  injury, especially when the athlete is not physically mature enough to handle the movement and/or weight.

Proper technique is also very important for injury avoidance and for maximum results – no matter what the age of the lifter is.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that

• kids be well supervised by qualified adults.

• any weight-exercise program be appropriate to the child’s stage of maturation and analyzed objectively by medical personnel. (Proper bone development is one of the key factors to assess.)

• children avoid strength training, power lifting, bodybuilding, and the use of maximal amounts of weight until they have met certain developmental criteria.

See the American Academy of Pediatrics position paper for additional specific details on the above points.

Here’s another question – Where is your son planning to lift? Supervision by a coach or athletic trainer with an academic degree in exercise physiology or a closely related field could make the activity a lot safer and much more effective.

Experience working with preteens and teens, and certification from a nationally recognized organization, such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association, wouldn’t hurt either.

Now that physical education in numerous schools has finally shifted to accommodate students’ sum health and interests, weight-exercise programs are more widely available as a curriculum option.

Health clubs are also providing more exercise programs designed for kids.

For sure, strength is only one component of fitness – cardiovascular endurance and flexibility are the others.

Make sure to encourage your child to experience “life” sports – those that can last him a lifetime and that he can participate in with others or alone – e.g., swimming, cycling, skating, walking, etc.

Team sports are also great for kids because they foster camaraderie, teamwork, and the art of graceful losing, in addition to winning.