Important Advice on Weight Training from the American Academy of Pediatrics

Weight training has now become a routine part of athletic training.   Given the risks involved, it is important to monitor what our young athletes are doing.  The American Academy of Pediatrics updated its policy statement on weight training for children and adolescents in 2008, offering sound advice for young athletes at every level.  Read a summary of the AAP recommendations below, and read the full policy statement here.

1. Strength training programs for preadolescents and adolescents can be safe and effective if proper resistance training techniques and safety precautions are followed.

2. Preadolescents and adolescents should avoid competitive weight lifting, power lifting, body building, and maximal lifts until they reach physical and skeletal maturity.

3. Before beginning a formal strength training program, a medical evaluation should be performed by a pediatrician. If indicated, a referral may be made to a sports medicine physician who is familiar with various strength training methods as well as risks and benefits in preadolescents and adolescents.

4. Aerobic conditioning should be coupled with resistance training if general health benefits are the goal. Strength training programs should include a warm-up and cool-down component.

5. Specific strength training exercises should be learned initially with no load (resistance). Once the exercise skill has been mastered, incremental loads can be added.

6. Progressive resistance exercise requires successful completion of 8 to 15 repetitions in good form before increasing weight or resistance.

7. A general strengthening program should address all major muscle groups and exercise through the complete range of motion.

8. Any sign of injury or illness from strength training should be evaluated before continuing the exercise in question.

Thanks for promoting positive youth development through sports!