Kids And Strength Training Exercise
The American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org) states that a child under 15 years of age should not participate in strength training such as bodybuilding, power lifting or weight lifting because their bodies are not fully developed and this kind of training could cause injury.
Weight lifting builds up body mass which can cause weight loss and calorie burning, but isn’t recommended for kids. Teenagers that are over 15 can utilize this kind of strength training, but should contact a professional trainer who can assist them in the proper usage of weights.
Since a child should not lift weights, they can build their strength in other ways that will help to keep them healthy and strong, but will strengthen the bones and keep the heart healthy as well.
Physical activity like pushups, leg stretches, pull ups or exercise that will strengthen your child’s muscles will be adequate. A kid can gain the same results by themselves if they participate in the activities at playgrounds that involve seesaws, swings, slides, monkey bar climbing and jungle gyms.
As kids don’t usually recognize their own power and strength, the type of activity they participate in naturally will ensure that they are building stronger daily. A toddler is in constant movement, always trying to pick things up, carry things and are developing their strength naturally.
There are some strength training exercises for the kid under 15. As long as they are supervised by a professional who is trained in instructing a child how to exercise properly, great benefits can be gained.
Other strength training exercises for kids are:
Leg lifts
Knee bends
Lunges
Sit-ups
Heel raises
These strength training exercises should be done daily, alternated between each exercise. A warm up session should be first, a little bit of simple stretching will do to limber up and prepare your child for exercise. Don’t forget your cool down session as this is important too. Make sure to encourage your child to drink lots of water when participating in any physical activity.