We run a special program for children aged 11-17 at the DVCC (the DVCC Academy) and naturally we get a lot of questions from parents concerned about their children’s development.
One thing that people often wonder about is whether it’s safe for kids to be lifting weights, or if weight lifting can have any damaging effects on their children’s long term health.
I’m going to go ahead and say that, in a word, no. In fact, on the contrary:
Weight lifting will only have beneficial effects on your child’s health, as long as they do it sensibly with the right supervision.
No one’s suggesting that you put a barbell on a six-year-old and make them do squats, or that you push any child further or harder than you should, but as long as training is done under supervision, your kids will reap the physical and mental benefits now and for many years into the future.
Here are Some Ground Rules:
1. Bodyweight is Key
When it comes to developing children and teenagers, their bodyweight is very important to establish the right kind of resistance work for them. If you think about it, ever since birth, your kids’ bodies are continually under resistance, whether it’s them trying to lift up their head for the first time, or taking their first steps. The key is to start out gently and add a little more intensity until they get stronger.
2. Age is Important
While I wouldn’t really say there was a magic age when your child is suddenly ready to lift weights, it certainly makes sense to wait until they feel ready. Our academy program starts at 11 for example, around the age of secondary school, and any weight training program should always be age appropriate and suit the development of the child.
3. Get a Doctor’s Note
It’s always best to make sure that your child gets a physical exam before starting any kind of exercise program, whether it’s playing rugby for the school team or starting weight training. You might be being over-cautious, but if it helps put your mind at rest then it’s worth it.
4. Don’t Overdo It
At the DVCC we always put safety first, so your child will always be supervised by a qualified trainer who will teach them the right techniques to follow and make sure that they aren’t overdoing things. We also build in a proper warm-up and cool-down into each session.
Strength training for children is an excellent way of building up strength and confidence and self-esteem in your children as well, for a happy and healthy life ahead. So, if you ask me, I can only recommend it. After all, Mark and I turned out pretty good, right?
