Does anyone have a recommendation on the earliest age to start strength training and conditioning?
Hi Michael. Studies have shown that strength training can be beneficial at very young ages as long as form is correct. There are many people that think lifting weights will stunt growth, but that is actually false. Weight lifting and exercise actually promotes growth because it stimulates the body to release growth hormone. Therefore the only constraint to strength training would be motor control and development. Adolescents develop at different rates, but I would say 10 probably wouldn’t be a bad age to start.
Hi, Michael! Great question! There is a myth out there stating that strength training is no recommended for children but it is just that. A myth. I have know children as young as 2 years old following a strength training program. The key factor is motor control. As long as they can execute proper form with the exercises and practice proper safety while exercising they can follow a strength training and conditioning program.
Hello Michael Bowman,
There is no age limit in my book; farmers have their children out and helping when the children can walk. We do not need to use weights, bodyweight is enough until good form is practiced autonomously. I prefer very light weight until the child is thirteen years old. Slow and steady wins the race. It is most important to teach good habits that will last a lifetime.
Enjoy the youth,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
If the exercise is age specific, then any age is good.
i.e.
Newborn starts lifting head… That is weight training.
You mentioned 10-14 year olds, they are great.
I just spoke to Bill Parisi of Parisi speed schools and he educated me on the positive business benefit of training that very age group of 10 – 14 years old.
Moms and Dads still drive them to the gym at that age which allows you to earn their business as well.
Bill told me that at age 16 the athletes cars sometimes steer uncontrollably away from the gym and towards their girl friends house. HA!
We are going to start working more with this age group in the next 6 months.
Best of luck.
Tim
