When Should Your Child Start Weight Training?

While children have traditionally been encouraged to participate in aerobic activities such as swimming and bicycling, a compelling body of evidence indicates that strength training can also be a safe and effective method of exercise for children, provided that appropriate guidelines are followed.

The risks associated with strength training are not greater than other sports and activities in which children regularly participate.

However, the key is to provide qualified supervision, age-specific instruction and a safe training environment. As in many sports, accidents can happen if children do not follow established training guidelines.

Strength training is a specialized method of conditioning that requires qualified supervision, appropriate overload, gradual progression, and adequate recovery between exercise sessions.

Michael F. Bergeron, PhD, discusses childhood weight training and the best ways to keep your child safe while training.