Exercise can take many shapes and forms, such as walking, running, swimming, bike riding, and of course, sports. No one questions if these forms of exercise can be “wrong,” except youth weight lifting.
The opposition towards younger audiences participating in this sport is very common. With things being said such as “it’s too dangerous,”“it stunts growth” and “will cause problems in the future.” This is simply untrue, weight lifting in the youth is not only safe but beneficial; instilling values that no other sports can.
A lot of people get the idea of the gym being a very intense and gritty environment and in many ways, that could be true. However, these ideas are the result of the media portraying the gym in a certain way. One contributing factor would be social media, with posts that give unrealistic standards of people at the gym. This standard causes the wrong idea of body image, unrealistic expectations in strength, and improper training towards a younger audience.
In reality, the gym teaches more than what the surface shows with lessons and teachings that branch out of the basic concept. It teaches values such as dedication, patience, and discipline, concepts which are important for a younger audience to learn from.
The biggest misconception is that weight training at too young of an age can “stunt growth,” or that it is “too much,” and “unsafe.” Youth weight lifting differs from traditional in many aspects, comparing the two is not very ideal because the procedures and values differ.
Eric Haas, strongman, power lifter, and general fitness coach, explains what ideas are most common. Haas explains that “Injuries [are the] Number One” concern that’s most common, with the other being “lately.. drug use”. Although this does happen, according to him these occurrences are in “very small percentages” and are easily preventable.
Haas also states training as young as the age of 7 is completely safe as there are accommodations to the movements at this young age, As said in a Sports Medicine article, by Katherine Stabenow Dahab, MD* and Teri Metcalf McCambridge, MD, FAAP. Haas also says that “everyone has to learn basic skills and general physical preparedness,” because of these values, it proves to be safer than what’s on the surface.
Furthering my point, weightlifting has also proven benefits for children and teenagers, according to Jeffrey Nepple, pediatric orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician. “It can improve performance and help reduce the chance of an injury, but children should want to do this and know that they must follow directions.”
It is important to educate the general public on matters and to correct false ideas of this information. The spreading of wrong information can discourage people from beginning to weight lift, or train in any way. The idea that it is unsafe can scare off a younger audience that could have potential to excel in the sport. With just a few accommodations, anyone can experience the benefits of weight lifting and not have to fear any negative impacts. Overall misconceptions and miseducation on youth weight lifting should not be a deterrent to partake in the sport, as well as leave the wrong impression of what it actually is.
I am Enrique Salas-Aguirre a senior at Oswego High School, this year would be my first with 42Fifty. I excited to start writing and publishing my ideas and contribute my part in the 42Fifty team. I enjoy writing opinion pieces the most although I am open to all types. I like listening and making music, my favorite genre at the moment is R&B. I train weight lifting outside of school and plan to compete some day. Overall, I am excited to contribute my piece to the site, and hopefully leave a significant mark in my short time here. 🙂
This is why Enrique the goat