Pumping iron, deadlifting, and grunting out a set in a gym seems like an image generally associated with bulging, muscular men and women glistening with sweat, and it should be. But modern science has shown us that strength training not only doesn’t have to be just for grownups, but can absolutely be a health benefit to children.
Say what?
It’s true. According to this study from Mayo, children are recommended to start strength training as young as seven years old, provided they can handle following instructions. Strength training doesn’t just mean slamming weights and protein shakes, in fact kids shouldn’t be lifting heavy weights at all. This can cause high amounts of stress on the tendons, damage muscles, and tear cartilage. Children are growing constantly, and that unpredictability can hamper their coordination, inhibiting proper heavy lifting.
What are you saying?
What we are saying is that strength training isn’t just limited to barbell work and heavy weights. There are almost limitless exercises for children to partake in including resistance training, bodyweight workouts, and much more. These exercises are safer for growing youths and can translate to incredible health benefits now and down the road.
So while your children probably shouldn’t be doing clean and jerks, they could absolutely benefit from training.
What are the benefits?
Strength training can absolutely help children with their strength and endurance, as well as help learn to protect their muscles and joints from injury when playing sports and, well, just being kids. Strength and endurance gains from training can help kids with performance and confidence in other extracurricular activities as well. From hockey to basketball, football to ballet, it only benefits kids to be stronger and safer in their activities.
Being strong isn’t limited to just athletes (ask Captain America!), so even if your child doesn’t play in any sports, strength training benefits include:
- Strengthening bones and bone development
- Promotes healthy weight maintenance
- Helps with confidence and self-esteem
- It’s just fun!
We believe, and it’s been proven, that healthy children become healthy adults!
Where can I bring my children?
Bring your kids on in to DX3, where we believe in the practice of cognitive learning through instructional and physical application, instilling lifelong healthy habits. We’ll make sure that your child understands the proper techniques, how to implement them, and how they are applicable to their improved performance and to life. At DX3 that’s what we do! Contact us for more, and we look forward to making the world a better place one strong child at a time.