Teens strength training - is it safe?

Having been advised against strength training when I was a teenager, it is easy to start believing the false information that is spread. I was even told in school that if I lifted weights, I would stunt my growth or majorly injure myself.

Having ignored this, mainly thanks to experienced local trainers and educators, I lifted all through my teenage years.

Now as a 24-year-old, 6’3” male, I can happily confirm that what I was told was false and lifting weights offers a series of benefits to young adults (and clearly does not stunt growth).

Obviously, I’m just one guy so it doesn’t prove anything but luckily Ken Mannie, a strength and conditioning coach at Michigan State University, has my back.

The main question he gets is “is adolescent strength training safe?” and his answer…YES.  “Enough scientific research is available to answer with a resounding, yes!

A vast majority of our exercise physiologists and paediatricians recommend some form of resistance training for medically fit adolescents.”

However, this does not mean that it is not without its dangers.

If incorrect planning, instruction and supervision is followed then injury can occur.

I am a firm believer that everyone, not just young adults, should have personal training or at the very least, a thorough induction, to ensure that they know what they are doing in a gym environment so that injury can be avoided.

So, what benefits does strength training offer? As I mentioned before, the myth of strength training stunting growth has absolutely no scientific evidence to support it, the science points to the opposite. Strength training can strengthen the bones and make young people more resilient to injury as well as increasing muscular strength and endurance, just as it does in adults.

Young females especially, can increase their bone density at an early age with the help of training which can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life.

In summary, I would actively encourage all young adults to do some form of strength training BUT to ensure that they are supervised and instructed by a professional and any exercise they want to do, they run by them to ensure that it is suitable and beneficial for their goals.

If you are a teenager or young person who wants to get into the gym and need advice or training, we offer great deals here at Kate Campbell Fitness. We offer a discounted gym membership or if you have a student card, you can get massively discounted personal training sessions with me!

We are currently working with a local school Silverdale and during enrichment periods Students have been encouraged to come along to the gym – induction support and focused training is given.

Jordan Linnell Strength Coach

Kate Campbell Fitness