5 Reasons Youth Resistance Training is Important

Being a parent or a student is tough.  Every day we are challenged by time, schedules, practice, homework, work, nutrition, and so many other things. We barely have time to relax and we certainly don’t have time to do research on whether or not strength training for our kids or ourselves is safe and beneficial or dangerous and detrimental. To make life a little easier, here are the top 5 advantages to youth resistance training.

Lower Injury Risk: Research done by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) indicated that youth that participate in regular supervised resistance training programs were as much as 50% less likely to sustain an injury. 

Lower Obesity Rate: Resistance training may be particularly beneficial for overweight youth who are often discouraged and turned away by more intense aerobic forms of exercise. As they build more muscle and rev their metabolism, they will notice an increase in energy. More energy means their likelihood of participating in other athletic activities greatly improves as does the possibility for weight loss.

Enhanced Muscular Strength and Endurance: Youth resistance training has the ability to improve the preparedness of aspiring young athletes for the demands of sports participation. This gives some youth the “edge” over their counterparts that do not participate in resistance training. Those youth not participating in athletic programs were said to have greater overall physical endurance and a noticeable positive change in muscle tone and definition.

Bone Density: The greatest gains in bone density are believed to be produced by sports that combine weight-bearing with repetitive impact loading. By continually changing the lifts being performed and the ways in which load is being placed on the body, one substantially reduces their potential for osteoporosis risk later in life.

Increased Confidence and Self Esteem: Regular resistance training provides an opportunity for participants to learn about their bodies and feel good while challenging themselves to reach new heights mentally and physically.

While there are countless benefits to youth resistance training, one should always remember participation in an unsupervised resistance training program can increase the risk of injury. Regardless of age or experience, it is best to always be under the supervision of a trained professional.

Whether you are looking to help your child lose weight, get an athletic scholarship, or encourage a healthier way of living, resistance training can help you.  With countless methods, tools, and resistance training resources available, one is sure to find something that fits their specific needs.