Pioneer Valley Youth Sports and Fitness Institute
the source for sound athletic advice
Youth Resistance Training
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 percent of children (over 9 million) 6-19 years old are overweight or obese, a number that has tripled since 1980. In addition to the 16 percent of children and teens ages 6 to 19 who were overweight in 1999-2002, another 15 percent were considered at risk of becoming overweight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also states, over the past three decades the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled for preschool children aged 2-5 years and adolescents aged 12-19 years, and it has more than tripled for children aged 6-11 years. Furthermore, overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80 percent if one or more parent is overweight or obese. Lastly, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly one-third of U.S. Children aged 4 to 19 eat fast food every day, resulting in approximately six extra pounds per year, per child. Fast food consumption has increased fivefold among children since 1970.
Childhood obesity is a problem! It seems as this problem grows, fewer opportunities for children to be active emerge. Physical education programs in schools seem to be less a requirement. Youth athletic teams appear to becoming more difficult to be a part of with emergence of premier leagues, select teams, and what appears to be fewer volunteers and available adults to coach teams and leagues trying to be formed.
In the last few years more sport performance coaches have been offering programs pertaining to youth resistance training and performance. However, there are mistaken beliefs regarding youth resistance training that are still prevalent, and questions to whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Dr. Avery Faigenbaum, EdD, an industry leader in youth resistance training agrees, and frequently presents the following mistaken beliefs.
Mistaken belief: Resistance training will stunt the growth of children. Under proper supervision and in a controlled environment current observations have not indicated any evidence of a decrease in stature in children. There have been no reports of growth plate fractures in any youth resistance training study, more importantly; resistance training is apt to have a positive influence on bone growth and development.
Mistaken belief: Youth resistance training is safe. Using appropriate supervision and instruction the risks of resistance training is no more than other activities children participate in. Qualified individuals should have a degree in health and fitness or related field, hold an accredited certification and have experience working with children and adolescents.
Mistaken belief: Children can increase strength without having high levels of testosterone. Testosterone is not essential for achieving strength gains. Evidence shows women and elderly individuals can have impressive strength gains without high levels of testosterone.
Mistaken belief: Resistance training is only for young athletes. Resistance training may enhance sports performance and reduce risk of sports related injury but, in addition to musculoskeletal health, regular resistance training provides an opportunity for participants to learn about their bodies and feel good about participating in strength-building activities that are engaging and fun.
Youth Fitness Programs and Resistance Training
Regular participation may positively influence aerobic fitness, body composition, blood lipids, bone mineral density, and motor performance skills, jumping and running. Youth participating in resistance training/health and fitness programs provides a unique opportunity for previously sedentary children to participate in physical activity. Make no mistake about it; resistance training programs under the proper supervision of a qualified professional can have a significant health and fitness value for boys and girls of all body sizes, fitness levels, abilities, and experiences.
To discuss youth resistance training and health/fitness programs please contact Len Haggerty at len@strideshpi.net. Len Haggerty, MA, CSCS is a Sports Performance coach operating STRIDES Performance & Wellness, Inc. in Northampton MA. They provide an experience for youths, athletes, and adults of all ages and abilities to discover their potential.
