Yeah, I heard this one way too many times. I’ve had mothers come up to me saying “I am worried about my kid!” “I am afraid that if he continues, this will make him short!” Oh, here’s a good one; “I don’t want him to be a little person!” If that’s not extreme, then what is? There are very few things in this world that will stunt the growth of a preadolescent child, and there is even a smaller chance of stunting their growth by doing something that’s healthy.
What I’m talking about here is resistance training for preadolescence. It was always thought that kids under the age of 13 should not lift a weight, let alone look at one. A person from the beginning of time probably didn’t want some kid being stronger than their kid (and them), so they made up the myth that lifting weights will stunt your growth.
The fact is that it’s totally fine! It’s been researched and posted by NSCA and ACSM, the top two organizations in exercise research, that preadolescent training is healthy and recommended. Resistance training promotes bone growth! When the human body is consistently stressed through some form of resistance training, the integrity of the bone structure will increase. This results in healthier, stronger bones. Just like your muscles, your bones will benefit from resistance training whether you are young or old.
Starting at age 6, it is encouraged for a child to begin a resistance training regimen as long as there is adult supervision. This resistance training will improve cardiovascular health, muscular durability and stability, motor skill performance, psychosocial well-being and a laundry list of other health benefits. This is great information to have, especially with this childhood obesity thing hanging over our country. There is no excuse for your child not participating in some form of physical activity.
It’s even greater information to have when your child gives you excuses on why they shouldn’t clean up their toys. All you have to say is according to NSCA, cleaning up your toys is a great exercise! At the same time, don’t get carried away though. What I mean by that is don’t give your 6 or 7 year old 50lb weights and watch them lift it as their face turns red and their eyes begin to bulge. Give them something they can handle for 15 repetitions or more with proper form and control. Lastly, make sure there’s always someone to coach proper form, and make sure proper safety measures are taken. Consult a doctor before your kid starts an exercise regimen. Don’t forget to have fun!!!
-Phil