There are common misunderstandings about youth participating in strength training. In particular there is concern that resistance training will stunt the growth of prepubescents and adolescents, however this is unfounded and not supported by any scientific research. Today, resistance training is recommended for young athletes to better prepare them for the rigors of sport. Early exposure to resistance training is supported by research, which shows that muscular strength development from resistance training can enhance physical performance, improve markers of health and well-being (such as insulin-sensitivity) and levels of adiposity in active and inactive youth and most importantly, reduce the risk of sports-related injuries.
Strength training is now well-recognized as both safe and effective for children and adolescents when appropriately designed and supervised by qualified professionals and consistent with the needs, goals and abilities of each individual. There is also a compelling body of scientific evidence that supports regular participation in youth resistance training to reinforce positive health and fitness adaptations and sports performance enhancement.
Recent research has indicated that resistance training can elicit significant performance improvements in muscular strength, muscular endurance, power production, change-of-direction speed and agility, balance and stability, coordination and speed of movement in youth athletes.
A strength training programme also seems to be particularly beneficial for sedentary youth who are often unwilling and unable to perform prolonged periods of aerobic exercise, such as overweight or obese children and adolescents. Participation in a formalized training programme that is inclusive of resistance training can provide an opportunity to improve their muscle strength, enhance motor coordination and gain confidence in their perceived abilities to be physically active.
Moreover, participation in youth programmes that enhance muscular strength and fundamental movement skill performance early in life appear to build the foundation for an active lifestyle later in life. Since muscular strength is an essential component of motor skill performance, developing competence and confidence to perform resistance exercise during the growing years may have important long-term implications for health, fitness, and well-being.
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