Is lifting weights bad for kids? Not from what this doctor says!
We have heard it many times, especially in high school, but mostly from our parents and other people that lifting weights is bad for kids. So is lifting weights really bad for kids, or is this just false information that is absolute nonsense? Lets listen to what this doctor says.
As you hear the man say, lifting weights is NOT bad for kids, but it has to be done correctly. They should be lifting light weights and higher reps. Asking kids to lift weights is asking an older person to lift weights. You wouldn't suggest they start maxing out and dead lifting right? Well it works the same way with kids and lifting weights.
Take a look at the study below that further supports the claim.
OBJECTIVE:
To review the effects of resistance training programs on pre- and early-pubertal youth in the context of response, potential influence on growth and maturation, and occurrence of injury.
DESIGN:
Evidence-based review.
METHODS:
Twenty-two reports dealing with experimental resistance training protocols, excluding isometric programs, in pre- and early-pubertal youth, were reviewed in the context of subject characteristics, training protocol, responses, and occurrence of injury.
RESULTS:
Experimental programs most often used isotonic machines and free weights, 2- and 3-day protocols, and 8- and 12-week durations, with significant improvements in muscular strength during childhood and early adolescence. Strength gains were lost during detraining. Experimental resistance training programs did not influence growth in height and weight of pre- and early-adolescent youth, and changes in estimates of body composition were variable and quite small. Only 10 studies systematically monitored injuries, and only three injuries were reported. Estimated injury rates were 0.176, 0.053, and 0.055 per 100 participant-hours in the respective programs.
CONCLUSION:
Experimental training protocols with weights and resistance machines and with supervision and low instructor/participant ratios are relatively safe and do not negatively impact growth and maturation of pre- and early-pubertal youth.