Strength training offers numerous benefits in terms of appearance and overall health, yet there are many myths surrounding their performance by children and adolescents. Therefore, what are the recommendations for strength training for these age groups?
The importance of physical activity for young individuals
Physical activity has a significant impact on the overall development of young individuals, encompassing the physical, cognitive, and psychological spheres. An increased dose of movement contributes to enhanced fitness, maintenance of appropriate body weight, can lead to improved academic outcomes, and boosts self-esteem. The World Health Organization recommends that individuals aged 5-18 years engage in 60 minutes of moderate-intensity activity daily. However, there are often concerns regarding strength training in children and adolescents, that this type of activity may lead to more frequent injuries and developmental disorders. Nevertheless, these concerns are groundless, as strength training programs for the youngest are increasingly being introduced due to numerous health benefits (A. D. Faigenbaum et al. 2009; A. D. Faigenbaum, G. D. Myer 2010; R. S. Lloyd et al. 2014; G. Peña et al. 2016). Nevertheless, caution should be exercised, and general guidelines regarding appropriate supervision, planning, and monitoring of correct exercise technique should be adhered to.
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