Is Strength Training safe for young kids?

Corey Green is the owner of the Athletic Institute and one of the coaches for The St Stephen’s School and Athletic Institute Athlete Development Program, this Term we’re asking him, “is strength training safe for young kids?”

Corey knows that many parents are concerned about injuries caused by strength training, thinking it should only begin after adolescence. A great deal of anxiety about this is down to misinformation.

“I can say with full confidence that there is no evidence to suggest increased risk of injury when participating in strength training and in fact, the younger kids start the better! This is why the ADP program begins in Year 7” Corey explained.

“Evidence shows that kids who lift from the ages of 10 and 11 become incredible athletes. In our own facility, we have seen first-hand how with approximately 5 plus years of consistent training, many of our youth athletes outperform and move better than some of our professionals!”

Strength training between the ages of 11-18 has been shown to have numerous benefits including: improved athletic performance, increased bone density, reduced risk of injury, improved cardiovascular health, and increased self-esteem and confidence.

While it takes time for physical changes to appear, the immediate benefit is confidence and improved mindset.  That said, you can expect to begin getting physically stronger after only 3-4 weeks, with physical changes starting to appear after a few months of consistent lifting.

“We know from experience that stronger athletes are more resilient, which means less injuries and increased time on the field or court practicing their sporting skills.”

There is a perception that other sports are safer than weightlifting however, statistical evidence suggests popular sports like soccer, AFL, netball and basketball have higher injury rates. There is always a risk of injury no matter what you do though, and strength training is no different.

The risk goes up when things like improper technique, overloading of weights, and overtraining occur, which shouldn’t happen in a professional facility with qualified staff.

Corey doesn’t recommend strength training without professional guidance which includes a proper program prescription and physical screening and testing.

When youth athletes get proper coaching and a well-designed training program, the benefits of strength training far outweigh the risks.