Let me start by making one statement clear, IT IS SAFE FOR YOUNG KIDS TO LIFT IN A SUPERVISED ENVIRONMENT WITH A CERTIFIED EXPERT. I'm not sure how it began, but the myth that lifting at a young can stunt growth and damage growth plates is not supported by scientific research. On the contrary, scientific research has shown that supervised lifting for young kids strengthens their growing skeletal and muscular systems, along with developing a more coordinated nervous system. (see article, Strength Training in Children and Adolescents: Raising the Bar for Young Athletes)
Having your son or daughter start lifting when they are mature enough to follow instructions for extended periods of time (which can happen as early as 7 years old) is one of the most powerful advantages and opportunities you could give your child.
Why? Because young athletes improve their training-age quickly. What is training-age? It is the age (hours) of experience you have invested in training. In Malcom Galdwell's book, "Outliers: The Story of Success" he states that the "10,000 Hours Rule" is a huge factor for success in any skill. Through examples and research Mr. Gladwell shows that practicing a certain skill for 10,000 hours (training-age) is one of the biggest factors in success.
So, the 7 year old that starts learning how to lift safely at AGSP (with light, appropriate weights and 100% supervision) will have 7 years of practicing strength training by the time he/she is 14 years old! That's half his/her life! All those hours of practice are hours that a non-lifting 14 year old can never get back. When the non-lifting 14 year old gets to 7 years of practicing strength he will be 21 years old!
The sooner you start investing time into proper strength training with a qualified expert, the faster you see results. And who wouldn't want their son or daughter to be strong?
Keep Training!
Coach Amanda Kephart and Akron General Sports Performance
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