What age can strength training begin?
Younger athletes can begin training as early as age seven. It is important they have the maturity to follow directions. Gains in balance, stability, flexibility, and strength have been shown in all our students. Age-specific programs are critical to each participant to achieving their goals and preventing injuries. Strength training is recognized as a safe means to building musculoskeletal strength when a proper program is followed.

Can I strength train year-round for sport?
Research shows that athletes should begin strength training at least two to three months before their sport season. Athletes do not achieve athletic conditioning by playing sports but must get into shape FOR playing sports. In-season training is a key component of overall conditioning. Maintaining a modified training program during the sport season is important for the athlete’s body to stay strong during the season. Following the conclusion of a sport season, it is important to take time away, and participate in other sports. Participation in other activities will enhance your overall abilities.

Athletes who participate in strength training programs are likely to undergo periods of reduced training or inactivity due to circumstances such as extended travel plans, busy schedules, or decreased motivation. This temporary or permanent reduction of the training stimulus is called detraining. Data suggests that training-induced strength gains in children are impermanent and tend to return to untrained control group values during the detraining period.

In one report, participation in physical education classes and organized sports throughout a detraining period did not maintain the preadolescent’s training-induced strength gains. This underscores the importance of continuous training, or at least some type of maintenance training program, to maintain the strength advantage or at least slow the loss of exercise-induced adaptations in children.

An “open gym” environment can be an accident waiting to happen Properly instructed programs utilizing the correct equipment / exercises designed for youth and teens are critical to achieving success and eliminating risk. Youth are not merely small adults. A program built around their abilities, knowledge level, and size is critical.