Kids enter adolescence and not shortly after start to become acutely aware of their appearance. In many this preoccupation begins earlier. Boys often mistakenly decide that it is necessary for them to bulk up and get stronger. It may be because they are tired of getting picked on, want to join the football team, or just want to look like that guy on the cover of the latest muscle mag.
What these all knowing kids do not realize is that they are starting to build a body that they are going to have to inhabit for a long time to come and the injuries you give yourself today will stick with you through life. There is a right way and a wrong way for kids to get in shape and unfortunately many kids go about it the wrong way.
As a beginner what kids need to realize is that they are still growing and that putting too much pressure and strain on growing bones and muscles can have some negative effects including stunting growth. What kids need to do when they want to start getting in shape, is more of what kids already do. Go outside, run, play, climb, fight, swim. If you watch kids play what they are doing is basically just a very free form version of what adults do in the gym or aerobics class.
When kids do reach the point at which they are pretty much full grown then and only then should they start any kind of weight program. And when they do they need to start light, body weight workouts would be highly recommended. Kids need to learn how to properly progressively add weight to workouts and it is our job to teach them. They need to realize that their bones muscles and tendons even though full grown are not necessarily fully developed.
Injuries are a touchy subject when it comes to kids. I am a firm believer that kids are tough and that they basically bounce back back, within reason. Broken bones knit quickly, and minor bumps and bruises heal faster. That said, over use injuries are very dangerous and are often looked at as weakness. Coaches are notorious for having kids ice it up and push through pain. Pain is there for a reason and overuse injuries become life long chronic problems if not addressed and allowed to heal properly.
Kids develop at different rates and it is very important that they understand that they must be patient and wait for proper development or they will suffer long term consequences. Educate your kids and teach them how to do things properly and let them know the warning signs of different problems that they may encounter. Short term glory on the football field is not a good trade for a life time of pain.
Related posts:
