Strength and conditioning professionals who incorporate a properly designed and supervised training program can help young athletes train, compete, and reduce the likelihood of injury.

The incorporation of resistance training to help youth athletes improve athletic performance has steadily become more popular over the past decade. After working with children for the past 12 years, several questions and concerns have been raised by parents regarding their child’s participation in a strength and conditioning program.

Common questions include “how safe is a resistance training program?” “Will resistance training stunt their growth?” “What age should they start?” “Will lifting weights help them get bigger, faster, and stronger?” and “Will strength training keep them from getting hurt while playing their sport?” These are just a few of the questions or type of questions that have been asked over the years.

1. Is relatively safe for youth
2. Can increase the muscular strength and power of youth
3. Can improve the cardiovascular risk profile of youth
4. Can improve motor skill performance and may contribute to enhanced sports performance of youth
5. Can increase a young athlete’s resistance to sports-related injuries
6. Can help improve psychosocial well-being of youth
7. Can help and promote exercise habits during childhood and adolescence