2009 – Current recommendations suggest that school-aged youth should participate daily in 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity that is developmentally appropriate and enjoyable and involves a variety of activities [2].

 

Fitness training has traditionally emphasized aerobic exercise such as running and cycling [1], in addition to aerobic activities such as running, cycling and swimming research increasingly indicates that resistance training can offer unique benefits for children and adolescents when appropriately prescribed and supervised [2].

 

It must be emphasized, however, that strength training is a specialized form of physical conditioning distinct from the competitive sports of weightlifting and powerlifting, in which individuals attempt to lift maximal amounts of weight in competition. Strength training refers to a systematic program of exercises designed to increase an individual's ability to exert or resist force [1].

 

Children and adolescents can participate in strength training programs provided that they have the emotional maturity to accept and follow directions [1].

 

Properly designed and competently supervised youth strength training programs may not only increase the muscular strength of children and adolescents, but may also enhance motor fitness skills (e.g., sprinting and jumping) and sports performance [1].

 

In addition to the obvious goal of getting stronger,…strength training has been shown to have a beneficial effect on several measurable health indices, such as cardiovascular fitness, body composition, bone mineral density, blood lipid profiles, and mental health [3].