In the past, parents as well as physical education teachers have shied away from any type of strength training for children. However, recent research studies show how effective strength training can be for children. Children can safely train with weights, if they are properly supervised by their parents or teachers and some basic guidelines are set up first.
There are suitable and safe ways in which your children can strengthen their muscles. There are some misconceptions about children and strength training that have caused parents and educators to become concerned. One of these misconceptions is that strength training can stunt the growth of children, while another is that children do not need to lift weights until they are twelve.
However, there is no evidence that would support either one of these misconceptions. All the major fitness organizations, as well as the medical organizations in the United States have recommended that children should participate in some type of strength training. Of course, it is important to set some basic guidelines for the children to follow. This is why
Shaun T came out with a workout for kids called
Shaun Ts Fit Kids Club.
As far as what age a child should begin participating in some type of strength training goes, it depends on parents and when they feel that their children are ready. It is important to start out slowly. Most parents and physicians feel that a good age to add some type of strength training into a child's regular activities is around seven years or so.
There are many benefits associated with allowing children to participate in some type of strength training, which are similar to the benefits that an adult receives. The main idea is to allow children to begin early. One of the most important benefits is that the attitude of the child will improve, toward lifelong fitness activities.
With regular strength training, children will begin to see improvements in bone density, muscular fitness, body composition, injury resistance, and motor fitness performance. This is important to parents. However, the child is much more likely to focus on how it affects their performance in sports and the socializing that can be had with other children.
The majority of children will not have any concept of how, long term strength training can affect their bodies. However, when children reach the age of eleven or twelve, they begin to form their own ideas on how strength training is helping to build healthy bones. Another benefit is that it will help in the prevention of disease.
Children need to focus of self improvement and the individual success that they will accomplish, but be sure that they have fun. Whatever they do, children should have fun – be it with exercise or anything else.
Strength training can also help build a child's self esteem as well as assist them in their mental discipline, which is great for children with ADD or ADHD.
