The very term, ‘strength training’ can conjure up images of Arnold Schwarzenegger-type body builders with overly developed bodies. However, when done correctly and in moderation everyone, including children can benefit from it.

Because young bodies are still developing special care should be taken when allowing a child to begin strength training and it is important that the focus does not become to build muscle, which for some can turn into an obsession.  A lot of injuries are also caused by the incorrect use of weights and it is important that your child can master the movements before adding any form of resistance, so make sure they start slowly. A child should not begin strength training too young either as their motor functions are still developing and they should not be distracted by muscle building. The aim of the exercises is not to build muscle in the shortest possible time, the aim is to build up strength in a slow, controlled and sustainable manner.

How does strength training benefit children?

• If you children look and feel better, they will have greater confidence and a much higher level of self-esteem
• It teaches children to set goals and achieve them
• Prevents obesity by introducing children to a healthy exercise and lifestyle regime
• A general improvement in overall health including heart and lung function and stronger bones.
• Improved sports performance - a stronger, healthier body will help children perform much better in sports activities with better stamina and flexibility.
• When carried out correctly strength training can prevent injury in other sporting activities as their bodies will be stronger and less prone to muscles strains etc.
• The increased stamina that will be gained through strength training will help children not only in sport but also at stressful times when they will have greater physical and mental demands on their body.

Today’s children lead a more inactive lifestyle than previous generations and the incidence of obesity in young children is alarming. This is due in part to diet but also to a lack of exercise with children more interested in playing computer games than doing any form of physical activity. Strength training can introduce your child to exercise in a controlled manner as well as teach them how to achieve a healthy body without overdoing it. By introducing aerobic exercise into their routine they will have greater lung and heart function, make them more alert which as an added benefit can help them concentrate better in school.

By getting advice from a pediatrician and ensuring that the exercises are not done excessively but in accordance to your child’s capability, you can create an exercise program that will give your child a stronger, healthier body.  There is a saying that ‘a healthy child is a happy child which goes further than just having a healthy body. The increased confidence and self-esteem that comes from being fit and feeling good, the knowledge of how to set goals and achieve them and seeing the changes that can happen with a little dedication, will ensure they have a healthy mind as well as a healthy body.