Even under the supervision of the children were still at risk of injury when lifting weights more than his body could bear.
Purpose of strength training for kids not to build muscle or compete in competitions. The goal is simply to strengthen muscles and increase endurance.
Much evidence suggests that a supervised weight lifting professionals can provide many health benefits for children. But some people still worry about its effect on the growth of children.
Growth in children occur in the epiphyseal plate of bone which is called the growth plate. This plate is located near the ends of long bones.
Currently in its infancy, these plates are prone to injury. There is concern that weight lifting can damage the growth plates and lead to stunted growth of children. However, this assumption is only a myth.
Weight-bearing exercise has long been known to increase bone density in adults. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research found evidence that weight lifting had a positive impact on the development of the growth plate.
Many health experts now recognize that the health benefits of resistance exercise is greater than the risk of damage to the plate.
Weight-bearing exercise should not be done with heavy loads and can be done with rubber bands, brace bands, fitness balls or the child's own body weight.
As reported by the Mayo Clinic, Monday (09/04/2012), some of the benefits of weight training for children and adolescents include:
- Strengthens bones and muscles
- Increase physical endurance
- Protect the tendons and ligaments
- Increasing bone density
- Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and keep blood pressure
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Strengthen performance during exercise and prevent injury during exercise
- Allows the nervous system and muscles to interact more efficiently.
Weight training should be started before the child reaches puberty or at least the age of 12 years because his body is more flexible and more easily trained.