Although there are many myths that have already been denied, strength training in children still remains a controversial subject that brings together many supporters as detractors, so today we tell you what science says about it.
More benefits than damages
Although it is still rare to see children in a weight room or lifting weights because of the belief that it is unsafe, it can harm them or even stop the growth process, science not only can not verify such effects, but has demonstrated more Benefits that damages.
Scientists at the University of Newcastle have observed a positive relationship between muscle strength in children and adolescents and lower adiposity, lower incidence of cardiovascular and bone diseases, and better self-esteem, so that it can be deduced that far from harming development And health, strength training at an early age benefits.
On the other hand, a recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine concludes that in order to develop sports skills in later ages, improving muscular fitness through adequate strength training could be of great help in children or adolescents, especially if they are Try a sports specialization years later.
Also, strength training at early ages can promote brain development by promoting motor skills, socialization, and self-esteem, which not only impacts motor control but also the emotional development of each child.
As if that were not enough, far from being a risk of injury, strength training that improves neuromuscular development may be key to prevent them before bone and altered neuromuscular formation occurs, hence at a young age, training That favors the muscular aptitude can contribute to prevent injuries more than to generate them, as scientists have demonstrated in the year 2013 ..
As we can see, there is little evidence to confirm that strength training in children can offer more benefits than harm and may be more advisable than we think at an early age.
What characteristics should the training meet?
As in adults, strength training in children must be properly planned by qualified professionals to enable them to obtain greater benefits to the activity.
In this sense, the American College of Sports Medicine points out that training must be progressive, regular, creative, supervised, must respect the principle of overload and socialization and produce pleasure in those who practice it.
Thus, it is clear that neuromuscular development must be generated gradually, but to produce benefits, the overload must be increased gradually, and rest is necessary, therefore strength training in children may be recommended two to three times a week in Non-consecutive days.
On the other hand, the variety of exercises, movements and / or equipment can improve cognitive abilities, encourage creativity and imagination, and in addition, socialization should be encouraged and pleasure should be prioritized , since children should feel at ease with their practice.
And like everything else with children, if we want to ensure the safety and effectiveness of strength training, they must be supervised and guided by qualified fitness professionals.
Then, respecting certain characteristics and planned by professionals, strength training in children can be beneficial and advisable, because science not only denies the damages and risks of this activity but also shows different advantages of its practice at a young age.