Youth and Resistance Training

[Guest guest]

In 2002 the British Association of Sports and Exercise Science,

released a document outlining guidelines for resistance exercise in

young people.

I would be interested in the groups opinions on this document and for

those who have not seen the guidelines, their opinions on the

recommendations which included:

1)'Young people' should engage in resistance exercise at least twice a week

2)Child athletes and non-athletic young adults should be taught

bodyweight resistance exercises before they begin training with

external weight.

Thank You.

Swinton

Aberdeen, Scotland

[Guest guest]

While I am pleased to see the British Association come out in favor of

resistance training for youth, I would argue that many youngsters may not be

capable of performing some bodyweight resistance activities (e.g. pull-ups) and

correct application of either equipment or free weights would certainly be

appropriate. In fact, learning proper technique with free weights as a

youngster would help facilitate a lifetime of safe, healthy and enjoyable

resistance training.

Whatever it takes, let's get them off the couch.

Respectfully,

Bob Helfst

Muncie, IN

Youth and Resistance Training

In 2002 the British Association of Sports and Exercise Science,

released a document outlining guidelines for resistance exercise in

young people.

I would be interested in the groups opinions on this document and for

those who have not seen the guidelines, their opinions on the

recommendations which included:

1)'Young people' should engage in resistance exercise at least twice a week

2)Child athletes and non-athletic young adults should be taught

bodyweight resistance exercises before they begin training with

external weight.

Thank You.

Swinton

Aberdeen, Scotland

[Guest guest]

I have to disagree w/using bodyweight exercises before introducing

external weight. How many children/youth do you know can perform

push-ups and pull-ups? Very few, in fact, even fewer can perform

such exercises more than five times. External weight is lighter than

a child's bodyweight, which not only provides more variety for

programming but also allows children to be successful. Contrary to

popular belief, resistance training does not stunt plate growth.

Children are fast learners b/c they are in school, where they are

learning new concepts all the time. Children are almost clean

slates, as they have not spent years lifting weights improperly,

beating up their bodies, and building imbalances. I highly suggest

reading Youth Strength Training books by Avery Faigenbaum and Wayne

Westcott, advocates and experienced experts on youth resistance

training. The books not only contain protocol but give research on

youth strength training. (They have taught kid as early as age 6)

Good habits should be taught early, eating cheetos and playing video

games are not what I'm referring to.

Casey Curson

Minneapolis, MN

[Guest guest]

I have to disagree w/using bodyweight exercises before introducing

external weight. How many children/youth do you know can perform

push-ups and pull-ups? Very few, in fact, even fewer can perform

such exercises more than five times. External weight is lighter than

a child's bodyweight, which not only provides more variety for

programming but also allows children to be successful. Contrary to

popular belief, resistance training does not stunt plate growth.

Children are fast learners b/c they are in school, where they are

learning new concepts all the time. Children are almost clean

slates, as they have not spent years lifting weights improperly,

beating up their bodies, and building imbalances. I highly suggest

reading Youth Strength Training books by Avery Faigenbaum and Wayne

Westcott, advocates and experienced experts on youth resistance

training. The books not only contain protocol but give research on

youth strength training. (They have taught kid as early as age 6)

Good habits should be taught early, eating cheetos and playing video

games are not what I'm referring to.

Casey Curson

Minneapolis, MN