Facts Friday: 3 Reasons Kids Can Lift Weights 😱

Hey mate,

Do you think it's safe for kids to lift weights?

Have you heard that it stunts their growth?

Have you heard that it's bad for their bones?

Let me tell you what the facts are so far on kids getting into working out!

1. "It will stunt their growth!"

Wrong ❌

"There is no scientific evidence in this regard; on the contrary, various retrospective and prospective studies concluded that subjecting growth plates to mechanical stress through strength training was beneficial for body and bone growth. Regardless of gender and physical activity level."

I personally started weights at 14 years old, which is during puberty and I did not lose any height (unless I was destined to be over six feet tall).

2. "Children can't build muscle or strength yet! So what's the point?"

Wrong again ❌

This latest analysis concluded "muscle strength was increased in 100% of the cases. [...] strength training generates significant increases in lean body mass and significant decreases in body fat, regardless of gender and physical activity level."

I used to do push ups with my nephew on the weekends and it helped him to become stronger to do things that kids do. Climb trees, play sport and wrestle his uncle in knee-rugby matches!

3. "They'll get injured!"

And again... wrong ❌

Weight training has a far lower injury rate than most sports and can help prevent other injuries by making your body stronger: "the scientific literature shows that strength training at an early age helps to reduce overuse injuries by 50% [.] Strength training not only helps to reduce injury risk but is also used in injury prevention and rehabilitation work."

Strength training for children is much like it is for adults.

It's healthy and it's one of the safest forms of high-intensity physical activity you can do.

None of the common objections to children lifting weights have much merit, so if you're on the fence, jump it and get your kids lifting in a safe manner.

Not only will it help strengthen them, it will help build their confidence and self efficacy as they begin achieving goals.

If you want programs to follow, not your kids/kids you know, for yourself, hit the button below!