Thread: Lifting For Youth Question....

kids can start at a young age if the coaching is right.

the lifting isn't going to be intense. You can teach a kid how to squat and clean and jerk with a broom stick at the age of 10, while helping them increase work capacity, maintain flexibility (young tendons god bless 'em! Don't let them loose that!), as well as increase core strength.

Youth Resistance Training

It is the current position of the NSCA that:

1. A properly designed and supervised resistance training program is safe for children.
2. A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can increase the strength of children.
3. A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can help to enhance the motor fitness skills and sports performance of children.
4. A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can help to prevent injuries in youth sports and recreational activities.
5. A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can help to improve the psychosocial well-being of children.
6. A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can enhance the overall health of children.

Edit: To Patricks raised eyebrow on the NSCA position paper (not listed here, available to members on their website), I'll add 2 additional persuasive articles.

Six-page article from another site, with citations:

http://www.power-systems.com/News/11_30_05.aspx]

A strong start: strength and resistance training guidelines for children and adolescents American Fitness, Jan-Feb 2002 Scot Roberts.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articl...20/ai_82470020

Human Kinetics website (fairly respectable organization), offered this advice, with sensible cautionaries:

http://www.humankinetics.com/product...xcerpt_id=3690

gotta love the NSCA and their Position Papers.

thanxs bro