This article was reprinted exactly as it appeared in the February's issues of the Men's Health Magazine

 

“PROBLEM”

I am worried about my son. He's only 8 and he is already out of shape. The school doesn't provide enough physical activity. I was thinking about introducing him to weight training in my home gym, but isn't he too young for that?

 

“ SOLUTION”

Not at all. Studies have proven that strength train ­ ing is effective and safe for kids.

According to Avery D. Faigenbaum, EdD, CSCS, children as young as 6 years old who participate

in a well-designed resistance program can acquire strength gains due to increases in neuronal activa ­ tion, intrinsic muscular adaptations, and improve ­ ments in motor coordination. As a result, the researcher highly encourages children to participate in appropriate weight-bearing and muscle-loading activities on a regular basis.

In 2001, the American Academy of Pediatrics looked at these studies, and approved them. Parents can now be reassured.

Strength training can provide a child with lots of benefits, including:

» Increased athletic performance through improved motor skills.

» Enhanced self-esteem and confidence. » Weight loss.

» Injury prevention.

» Improved attitude toward lifelong physical activity.

Strength training can provide children with a sense of accomplishment. They'll feel better about themselves.

Combining strength training with aerobics may help increase fat loss and/or weight management in overweight children. And studies have also proven that strength training may have choles ­ terol-lowering effects in children.

Strength training enhances bone mass, so even girls can benefit from resistance training, since females are at risk of osteoporosis later on in life.

Child obesity is no laughing matter. Today's kids need help. Early introduction to weight training will set the stage for years of exercise involvement for your child. So next time you hit the gym, take your kids along. They will thank you later.

KIDS AND WEIGHTLIFTING: BASIC GUIDELINES » Training sessions should be held at least two or three times per week, minimum of one day of rest between sessions.

» Training should involve all major muscle groups, with a balance between opposing muscle groups. » Exercise form is key. Make sure kids use a full range of motion to develop strength while main ­ taining flexibility.