Busting it:

Its common knowledge that exercise is an essential component to a healthy lifestyle. However, while most parents and coaches share positive attitudes regarding children performing aerobic activities (running, playing sport etc) there remains an overwhelming concern when it comes to children performing strength training.

We’ve all heard it before…

“Strength training at a young age will stunt growth.”

Myth! Extensive research has found no evidence to suggest adverse effects on growth and development, nor is there any evidence that training has an impact on final adult height. In fact, strength training has a great number of positive effects including:

In fact, strength training has a great number of positive effects including:

• Increased strength (due to neuromuscular adaptation, not muscle growth)
• Increased bone-mineral density
• Increased aerobic fitness
• Improved body composition (muscle vs. fat)
• Increased resistance to injury
• Improved attitude towards lifetime physical activity