In this episode, I discuss the importance of exercise, specifically strength training, for kids. With growing concerns over childhood obesity, limited opportunities for physical activity in school, decreased outdoor playtime, and reduced sports participation, the lack of physical activity in children poses serious long-term risks to their physical and mental health. I address common myths and misconceptions about resistance training for kids and highlight the many cognitive, physical, and mental health benefits of regular physical activity.
I also explain the three I’s—investigate, interpret, and intervene—for assessing and improving a child’s movement abilities, emphasizing the importance of fun, play-based experiences to develop a diverse range of movement skills. Additionally, I discuss the risks of early sports specialization, guidelines for safe weightlifting for kids, injury risks, and strategies to encourage physical activity. Whether or not a child aspires to be an athlete, this episode offers practical tips to foster long-term athletic development and ensure kids grow up strong, healthy, and active.
Read the full episode show notes at performpodcast.com.
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Timestamps
00:00:00 Kids & Strength Training
00:03:26 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & LMNT
00:06:10 Misconceptions, History, Kids & Resistance Training
00:10:15 “Zombie” Myths about Kids & Exercise
00:13:58 Kid-Centric Exercise & Movement Literacy; Strength & Coordination
00:18:47 Movement vs Language Development Analogy
00:22:52 Chronic Health Crisis in Kids, Sports, Downstream Adult Issues
00:30:33 Physical, Cognitive & Mental Health Benefits of Strength Training for Kids
00:36:53 Sponsor: AG1
00:38:18 Investigate: YFIT Test, FitBack Test
00:42:41 Interpret: Baseline Test, Injury, Growth & Development, Specialization Ready?
00:49:02 Intervene: Positive Experiences, Open Play, Schools & PE, Sports Variety
00:53:13 Kid-Centric Programs, Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD), American Development Model
01:00:40 Sponsor: Momentous
01:02:21 LTAD Program Example, Strength Training
01:09:08 Youth Movement Skills & Concepts, Games, Diversity, Range of Motion
01:12:28 Basic Movement Skill Development Targets
01:17:25 Example Program for 7-Year Old, Basic Movement Skill Development
01:22:16 Plyometrics & Kids
01:23:26 10 Rules of Lifting Weights for Kids
01:29:22 Guidelines for Youth Athletes, Injury, Play, Sport Diversity & Breaks, Specialization
01:33:18 Early Specialization & Problems
01:36:35 Encouraging Physical Activity in Kids
01:41:47 Additional Resources, Books, Courses & Organizations
01:44:49 Summary & Key Takeaways
01:48:35 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform Newsletter
Disclaimer & Disclosures
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