The merit of weight lifting
exercises for children is a topic that is under serious debate, as there
appears to be definite pros and cons.
An article entitled
"Weight Lifting and Kids", written by Dr. Stephen d. Ball, Ph. D,
Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Environmental Sciences , University of Missouri-Columbia
"Many coaches, parents,
and exercise professionals believe lifting weights is unsafe and not beneficial
for children, despite the overwhelming research to the contrary." (1)
One of the major concerns with
regard to children doing weight lifting as a form of exercise, is the
possibility of physical injury.
Addressing this area of
concerns is "Dr. Avery Faigenbaum, a scientist who has studied strength
training and children." (2)
He argues in favor of weight
lifting for children, stating "...under proper supervision there has not
been a single case of a serious strength training injury involving
children." (3)
Note the use of the expression,
"under proper supervision" as that is important when considering the
amount of weight lifting that is attempted, by children of all ages. Note that
most children will try to do almost any kind of a sports activity, at one time
or another. Obviously, when or if, there is a lack of proper supervision for
children who attempt weight lifting, as a form of exercise, there is always
going to be the risk of injuries or accidents.
Dr. Faigenbaum addresses this
argument by saying that "there are risks associated with all types of
physical activities but weight lifting injuries are less common than many other
types of accidents." (4)
Looking at the large number of
sports injuries that do happen to children, as they go through various stages
of growth and physical development, one must agree that this is true.
Safety precautions are essential for any sports related
activity.
Here are the guidelines of the American College
All strength-training
activities should be supervised and monitored closely. Remember that children are physiologically
immature. The primary focus, at least initially, should be directed at learning
proper techniques for all exercise movements and developing an interest in
resistance training. Proper techniques should be demonstrated first, followed
by gradual application of resistance or weight. Proper breathing techniques
(ie. no breath holding) should be taught. Exercises should be performed in a
manner in which the speed is controlled, avoiding ballistic (fast and jerky)
movements. Power lifting and body building should be avoided. Full-range,
multi-joint exercises (as opposed to single-joint exercises) should be
emphasized. Children need to be able to understand and follow directions. There
is no recommended minimum age for children to be introduced to strength
training. Children as young as 5-6 years old have participated in Dr. Faigenbaum's
programs. (5)
Physically active children tend
to be healthy children, while those who are not physically active tend to be
less healthy. Almost any type of physical activity can prove to be beneficial
to a child's health and general well being.
Are there other areas of
concern with regard to weight lifting, as a form of exercise for children?
Many who are concerned
about physical injury in children, show concern about what happens to "the
epiphseal growth plates in children." (6)
A physician would have to do
extensive x-rays over time, in order to make this diagnosis.
Dr. Ball suggests that "a
properly designed strength training program" (7) can do the following: improve
the strength of children, increase cardio-respiratory fitness, increase
flexibility, improve motor fitness performance, improve body composition, increase
resistance to injury, decrease the time for rehabilitation, enhance mental
health and well being, increase sports performance, increase adherence to
physical activity and stimulate a more positive attitude towards fitness
conditioning. (8)
Sports injuries can occur with
any kind of physical activity, but interestingly, weight lifting injuries do
not appear to be high on the list of sports injuries for children. Perhaps the
negative aspects of weight lifting, as a form of exercise for children, may be
more evident, later on in life.
There are other things that
children have done over the years or are doing now, that involve heavy lifting
and are not sports-related activities. For instance, historically, there has
been concern when children have had to do work that was too heavy for them with spinal compression being a direct result. Nowadays, children carry
back packs that are too heavy for them.
A common sense approach
suggests that with children of any age, moderation with regard to weight
lifting, as a form of exercise or carrying anything that may be too heavy for
them to carry, is usually a good idea.
One must argue that each child
is unique and has different sports activity interests. What may be appropriate
as physical exercise for one child may not necessarily be the same for another
child. Different sports activities may prove to be more appropriate for
children, at different ages.
Some children truly love weight
lifting! Children tend to follow role models and of course, since not all
parents, siblings, friends or teachers do weight lifting, as a form of exercise,
not all children will want to lift weights either. Children should always be
encouraged to engage in the kinds of sports activities that they are seriously
interested in, at various stages in their growth and development.
A healthy balance of a wide
range of physical activities or sports, rather than just weight lifting alone,
may prove to be more beneficial over time. At the same time, weight lifting is
a healthy form of exercise and those children who show an interest should be
encouraged to participate in this sports activity, but under appropriate
guidelines.
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
7. Op. Cit. fit4.htm
8. Ibid.
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