Yes, children lifting weights. Sometimes just the weight of their own bodies doing push ups, sit ups and squats, but also using kettlebells, medicine balls and dumbbells for added resistance. Is this actually safe? YES, absolutely!! Nearly all the injuries in children are from improper supervision, unqualified instructors, children lifting too much weight or poor technique. There are numerous benefits to childrens physical and mental well being. The Mayo Clinic says,
“Done properly, strength training can:
- Increase your child’s muscle strength and endurance
- Help protect your child’s muscles and joints from injury
- Improve your child’s performance in nearly any sport, from dancing and figure skating to football and soccer
And strength training isn’t only for athletes. Even if your child isn’t interested in sports, strength training can:
- Strengthen your child’s bones
- Help promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Boost your child’s metabolism
- Help your child maintain a healthy weight
- Improve your child’s self-esteem”
It is important to remember that mechanics and consistency for children should always be the goal before adding intensity, true for adults too. So erase the image of competitive bodybuilders or olympic weightlifters from your mind. Kids will add weight only when and if they are ready. By the age of 7, most children are physically and emotionally mature enough to handle the responsibilty of safely learning to lift weights. Please visit the following for more information on the safety of strength and conditioning programs for kids. If you’d like more information on Crossfit Kids, the premier youth fitness facility in Lancaster for kids ages 3-17 please contact kids@crossfit-lancaster.com
http://educatedsportsparent.com/youth-strength-training
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/strength-training/HQ01010
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/121/4/835.full
