2011-11-01

Strength Training for the Young Athletes

Many parents want to see their children grow in the field of athletics and many of the children are particularly good at it too. However, since the strength of muscles is definitely an important concern for a wannabe athlete, there has been a constant confusion about the suitability of muscle strength training for the children and adolescent boys and girls. Although there is no doubt about the importance of strength training for an athlete the concern is really valid given the adolescent age, maturity levels of nervous system and muscles, and growth potential in a child.

Let us understand the factors that should be considered while a strength training program is developed for the adolescents.

Biological age

Biological age is not directly visible and is different from the chronological age. Biological age is determined on the physiological maturity of an individual’s body as suitable for the chronological age and physical built-up. For instance, factors such as proper development of spine and bones, proper functioning and efficient working of heart, lungs and respiratory system etc. are considered while determining the biological age.

Muscle mass and size

A larger muscle has a greater potential to be trained well. For the boys and girls who have few developed and larger muscles or muscle groups, their developed muscles should be trained assuming that they are more matured than others for training.

Central Nervous System Maturity

Safety of the child while performing strength training exercises is majorly driven by the CNS maturity. Children with the appropriate levels of CNS maturity should be allowed to undergo strength training. It also be monitored that the nervous system development is not being hindered due to any of the exercises.

Considering the above factors, children should be given a program that gradually increases their difficulty levels. The exercises should start from the activity and speed based exercises and then, should move towards the strength-oriented ones. There are several illustrations of these exercises in full colour graphics available on the Internet. You can choose the ones that best suit the purpose based on the above factors.