Ian Haney

Mr Gardner

Grody Goats

8 Feb 2023

Should Kids Lift Weights?

Years ago it was believed that strength training and weight lifting was bad for the

developing bodies of kids. Widely-held beliefs claimed it stunted the growth of children. Recent

studies have brought to light facts that show this belief might not be entirely true. Researchers

have been looking more into whether or not children should lift weights. Along with that, more

research has gone into answering the question of how children should start weight training. This

new research can help parents gauge when their children should start lifting, and how they

should introduce them to weight training activities.

The age at which children should start lifting weights can vary from child to child. Most

kids can start working out and lifting weights at around 7 years old. (How soon is too soon for

my child to lift weights?, Wexner Medical Center, 2018) However, some kids have not matured

enough at that age. Although certain kids might take longer to get into the weight room it is very

beneficial that they start working out at soon as possible. Dr. Jacob Goodin states, “We just

want them to live healthy, strong lives free from any type of movement deficiencies and strength

training can really help them do that.” (Should Children Lift Weights? Here’s What the Experts

Say | CSCS Chapter &) With that being said, if kids follow a personalized plan, tailored to their

specific goals, and work under professional supervision, weight training can be extremely

beneficial for young children and athletes.

Although strength training has been proven to be safe and effective for children 7 years

of age or older, many critics still argue that working out isn't safe for younger, developing bodies.

The reason being that both improper technique and trying to lift too much weight can lead to

serious injury. For this very reason, it is recommended that when a child is beginning to lift
weights they use very low weights to start and perform more repetitions of the lifting exercise.

Along with this it is important to make sure proper form is always the focus, rather than lifting

heavier.

The cartoon illustration above demonstrates what can happen if too much weight and improper

form are used by kids. In this illustration, the person was lifting too much weight and the heavy

barbell landed on them. Cartoons are great for teaching kids valuable lessons. This cartoon

could be used to explain the importance of having professional supervision to help with handling

weights, how to lift weight properly, how quickly accidents can happen, and how a personal

workout program could help prevent injuries.

If introduced and done correctly, weight training can have amazing benefits for

developing kids’ bodies. When introducing your child to strength training it is important to keep

in mind that it's not about getting bigger and putting on muscle mass. That should not be the

focus or goal until your child has completed puberty, as it puts too much strain on the kid's

tendons, muscles, and growth plates. An article written in 2022 by the reputable Mayo Clinic

medical staff discusses the guidelines that should be followed when your child is beginning

strength training. It also points out the benefits that strength training can have on your kid. The

article cites that, “done properly, strength training can:

● increase your child's muscle strength and endurance

● help protect your child's muscles and joints from sports-related injuries
 ● help improve your child's performance in nearly any sport, from dancing and figure

skating to football and soccer.” (Strength Training: OK for Kids?, Mayo Clinic, 2022)

As shown, weight training can be very beneficial to your child if done correctly and under

professional supervision. Strength training can also help with bone density. This means that if

your child plays contact sports like football, lacrosse, or hockey, weight training can help them

lower their risk for injury as well

Based on the data and research that I have done, I agree that kids seven years of age

and older should be strength training. Looking at the health epidemic in America, I believe it

would be very valuable to instill interest and drive to work your body at a much younger age.

Introducing body weight movements, mobility exercises, and light weights for kids is also

introducing self care, positive body image, and the idea of personal strength, both physical and

mental. The benefits of beginning strength training at a young age vastly outweigh the risks.

Lifting weights at a young age can lead to higher bone density, stronger muscles, the ability to

run faster, jump higher, and more. Furthermore the benefits don't go away. If a child is

consistent with their training they will see long term effects in their strength and muscle mass.

When weighing the pros and cons of strength training at a young age, the only real dangers are

the ones I’ve already discussed earlier. If your child has a well regulated program tailored to his

or her needs, and is working out under supervision, the chance of injury is almost zero yet the

upsides are tremendous.

In summary, while there are inherent risks in lifting weights, strength training for children

is physically beneficial in many ways. It can boost their athletic performance, strengthen their

muscles and bones, and has positive long term health effects. If your child has shown interest in

strength training I would recommend talking with your doctor about whether or not they are

ready to begin training. If they are ready, talk to a licensed professional about a plan suited for

them and their goals, this can set your child up best for success and lead to them living a long,

happy and healthy life.

 Work cited

http://clipart-library.com/clipart/789927.htm

Dr. Jacob Goodin. “Should Children Lift Weights? Here’s What the Experts Say | CSCS

Chapter 7.” YouTube, 8 Apr. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6heeXYS1Io

“Strength Training: OK for Kids?” Mayo Clinic, 22 Jan. 2022,

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/strength-training/art-2004

7758?reDate=06022023.

Author: Victoria Slater. “How Soon Is Too Soon for My Child to Lift Weights?” How

Soon Is Too Soon for My Child to Lift Weights? | Ohio State Medical Center, 4 Apr. 2018,

wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/youth-weight-lifting