Introduction

Weight training by young people is a matter that has been subject to countless myths (Faigenbaum 2009). Many parents are reluctant to allow their children to practice weight training because they believe that it will stunt their growth. This means that they believe that their children will not grow to their full heights (Hahn 2009). Many parents and teachers are also unwilling to let their children and students to practice weight training because they believe it to be a dangerous practice for the kids. They are always afraid that the kids will hurt themselves in the process.

Benefits of weight training on young people

Weight training was long considered to be unfit for young people but recent studies have shown that weight training on young people is indeed beneficial to them. One of the benefits that young people get from weight training is that there is a boost of motor-unit activation (Reynolds 2010). This happens within their muscles soon after training. This helps in boosting muscle contraction. Weight training increases a young person’s muscle strength and general endurance ion activities that require strength. According to the Mayo Clinic Staff (2012), weight training also reduces the risk of injury when a young person is engaging in sports such as athletics, soccer and basketball. Weight training makes muscles and joints less prone to injuries and therefore making young people excel in sporting activities.

Weight training increases strengthens bones for the young people hence making them strong (Reynolds 2010). According to the Mayo Clinic Staff (2012), another benefit is that due to weight training, young people gain healthy blood pressure and subsequently shielding them from cardiac arrests as they grow older. Young people benefit from a healthy weight. This makes them have recommended cholesterol levels and their self-esteem and confidence increases (Platt 2013).

Conclusions

It is crucial for young people to practice weight training because of the many health benefits that come from it. Weight training not only makes young people lead a good life but it also shields them diseases like heart attacks which are brought by obesity. Parents and children should therefore let young people practice weight training because the benefits of it surpass the risks.

References

Faigenbaum, A. D., Westcott, W. L., & Faigenbaum, A. D. (2009). Youth strength training: Programs for health, fitness, and sport. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Hahn, F. (2009). Strong kids, healthy kids: The revolutionary program for increasing your child’s fitness in 30 minutes a week. New York: AMACOM.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2012). Strength training: OK for kids? Retrieved on 28^th August 2013. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/strength-training/HQ01010

Platt, G. K. (2013). The Complete Guide to Lifting Heavy Weights. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.

Reynolds, G. (2010). Phys Ed: The Benefits of Weight Training for Children. Retrieved on 28^th August 2013. Retrieved from http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/24/phys-ed-the-benefits-of-weight-training-for-kids/?_r=0

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