Comments on: Kids and Weight Training

By: danny

danny — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:43:11 +0000

Thanks, V!

Great comments!

By: Jamie Vanderheyden

Jamie Vanderheyden — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:57:57 +0000

Great points, Danny. If I may add to the article, I would also like to point out that machine based training, while perceived as “safer” can actually be very detrimental to the joints themselves. As an example, a 6′6 basketball player and a 5′3 wrestler, have no business trying to use the same bench press machine that FORCES the SAME movement pattern. The pattern is FIXED. Even though seates can be adjusted, the dictated movement patterns could potentially be more harmful, especially to the shoulder. The only machines I would say are okay are those that are truely cable based and allow for a free ROM. Furthermore, when kids are growing and lifting, fixed machines can actually start to develop faulty movement patterns. So by this example, free weights, if proper form is taught, would allow each ahtlete to move in their own proper/comfortable range of motion. Yet, without a doubt, bodyweight training is of the utmost importance in the progression of teaching young athletes. Good stuff buddy!!!

By: deb roby

deb roby — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:17:12 +0000

I agree with your entire essay – many 8-12 year old are ready and eager to do some weight training. Starting with lunges, pushups and squats and moving into use weights are good for them. With children, endurance and body control are the goals.

I also think children should stay off machines- for the same reason that many women should. Although the engineering has improved lately, machines are still mainly designed to be efficient if you fall into the 5′7″-6′3″ range. For those much smaller, the machines simply do not work well.

By: danny

danny — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:03:07 +0000

Well said, Steve!

And I agree, the “basics” are not so basic with many high schoolers… the inability to perform a full ROM of push-up, squat, lunge, etc. Sad!

Danny

By: Steve Stark

Steve Stark — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:58:26 +0000

Great advice Danny! As a high school football coach for 10 years, I would say over 95% of the kids that came in as freshmen didn’t know how to do a pushup or a bodyweight squat properly. They feel intimidated by a weight room and embarrassed that they can barely lift the bar. It’s so important to make kids feel comfortable training. One bad experience can drive a kid away from the weight room and ultimately the sport they love to play.

With high school sports becoming so specialized, kids can’t afford not to learn proper training techniques. Getting an early start on basic fitness is critical. With many schools cutting back on P.E. kids aren’t getting physical activity on a daily basis, let alone learning about the importance of fitness. It’s never too early to teach kids how important it is to stay active.

Thanks again for the wonderful advice.