Misconceptions about youth weight training [ resistance training ]

There are several misconceptions that I get to hear from parents of children aged between 9 and 14.
1. Resistance training will stunt the growth of childern
2. Weight training is unsafe
3. Childern cannot increase strength because they do not have testosterone
4. Resistance training is only for young athletes.


Current observations indicate no evidence of a decrease in stature in children who regularly
perform resistance exercise in a controlled environment. If appropriate exercise
guidelines are followed, regular participation in weight-bearing physical activities, such as
resistance exercise, will likely have a favorable influence on bone growth and development
during childhood and adolescence.
Resistance training is a lot safer than other safe exercise activities recommended for kids like e.g. sports.
Testosterone is not necessary for strength gains. This can be evidenced by strength gains in women and older age individuals.
Aerobic exercise( swimming, running etc.) is generally recommended for kids who are overweight. Weight training might be a good alternative worth considering for overweight kids who suffer low energy levels.

Certain points to be considered before starting a kids resistance program:
1. Kids under 14 should be supervised by professionals at all times
2. The exercise programmer and coach must be qualified and have experience dealing with kids
3. Exercise programs lasting longer than 15 hours per week should not be set.
4. Heavy lifting [ 1-RMs] should not be done on a regular basis.
5. Exercise to maximum fatigue should not be done.
6. Anthropometric measurements and body mineral levels should be monitored on a regular basis.
7.Exercise training should be specific [should be so designed keeping in mind the specific sport for which the youth is training for]
8.Vigorous exercise without rest periods should be avoided.