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Xcel Sports Medicine follows the National Strength and Conditioning Associations (NSCA), and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) age specific guidelines for strength training. It is appropriate for athletes of all ages to start weight training as long as the strength coach has experience in training all ages. Benefits include increasing the muscular strength of kids and improvements in a child's muscular endurance, body composition and sports performance. When designing strength training programs for children it is important to remember that children are anatomically, physiologically, and psychologically immature. Adult strength training guidelines and training philosophies should not be used for kids. Although all participants should understand the risks and benefits of strength training, a young child should not be expected to comprehend the intricacies of muscle action. In 1985 the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) published guidelines of prepubescent strength training. Those guidelines are as follows: Strength training can begin at any age. But certain factors should come into consideration. The child should have medical examination. He/she should be emotionally mature enough to follow directions. No child should be left unsupervised when lifting weights. The strength training program should include a variety of different physical activities in addition to strength training. It is recommended that 50 to 80% of the prepubescent athletes program should include a variety of different activities, to enhance their abilities and keep them interested. When introducing a child to a strength training exercises with free weights, and on machines, no resistance (weight) should be used initially. When the child has mastered the exercise then and only then can weight be added. Utilizing exercises that use body weight as resistance i.e. chin-ups, dips, and sit-ups, are excellent for prepubescent as well as adults. A prepubescent training program should consist of high repetitions and low weight. The NSCA recommends six to 15 repetitions per set. One repetition maximum should never be attempted. Strength Training Guidelines for Kids: • An instructor to child ratio of at least 1 to 10 is recommended to provide adequate supervision and instruction. When children are learning exercises for the first time, closer supervision may be required. • Children learn best by doing. When teaching a new exercise to a child, have the child perform the exercise under your watchful eye. • Ensure that the training environment is free of hazards. Be aware of the exploratory nature of children and remove or disassemble any broken equipment from the exercise room before classes start. • The exercise room should be well lit and adequately ventilated. Since children are more prone to heat illness than adults, encouraged them to drink water even if they are not thirsty. • Perform calisthenics and stretches before and after every strength training class. • Begin with 1 set of 10 to 15 repetitions on 6 to 8 exercises that focus on the major muscle groups of the upper and lower body. Start with a relatively light weight and high reps and increase the load and decrease the reps as strength improves. Beginning with relatively light loads will allow for appropriate adjustments to be made. • Maximal lifting is not recommended for general conditioning purposes. • Two to three training sessions per week on nonconsecutive days is sufficient. • Increase the weight gradually as strength improves. Generally a two to five pound increase in weight is consistent with a 5% to 10% increase in training intensity. • Progression can also be achieved by increasing the number of sets ( up to 3) or number of exercises. • Multijoint exercises such as squats may be introduced into the program based on individual needs and competencies. • Treat children with respect and speak with them in a language they understand. Remember that children should feel comfortable with the program and should look forward to the next workout. • Strength training should be one part of a total fitness program. Keep the fun in fitness and promote lifetime health. © Copyright XcelSportsMedicine.com Top of Page |
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