Healthy Youth Sports

Resistance training isn’t just for adults—youth resistance training programs are growing in popularity across schools, fitness centers, and training facilities. In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Blake Biren, PhD, CSCS, CES, to explore the benefits and best practices for youth resistance training. Discover: The significant physical and mental health benefits of properly designed and supervised resistance training for youth. How resistance training can serve as an exciting and enjoyable alternative to traditional physical activity. Why leading organizations like ACSM fully support youth participation in resistance training programs. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or educator, this episode offers valuable insights into how resistance training can empower young athletes, foster healthy habits, and promote lifelong fitness.

Exercise can be life-changing for children with autism, but how do we ensure physical activity is engaging, effective, and inclusive? In this episode, we welcome David Geslak, BS, ACSM-EP, CSCS, Founder of Exercise Connection and a pioneer in fitness for individuals with autism. Drawing from years of hands-on experience and his groundbreaking system for teaching exercise, David shares valuable insights and strategies for helping children with autism thrive through physical activity. We explore: The unique ways autism affects individuals and how exercise can help. How physical activity improves focus, social skills, and language development in children with autism. Strategies for parents and caregivers to make exercise enjoyable and accessible. The role of adaptive sports and how families can find inclusive programs. Practical tools like social stories and visual schedules to prepare children for physical activity. Insights into the ACSM Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate Course and its impact on professionals working with children with autism. Inspiring success stories of children and families benefiting from exercise interventions. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or coach, this episode provides actionable tips and resources to foster fitness and fun for children with autism.  Tune in and learn how exercise can unlock potential and promote well-being for all!

In this episode of the Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we’re joined by Lauren Butler, DPT, and Nick Garcia to explore the current state and future of recreational sports. Drawing on insights from Dr. Butler's recent article published in Current Sports Medicine Reports, we discuss whether recreational sports have become a relic of the past or could be a solution for the future of youth athletics. We explore the decline in recreational sports in favor of club sports, including the impact this shift has had on kids' physical, social, and emotional well-being. Dr. Butler and Garcia share insights on high dropout rates in youth sports, early specialization, and rising injury concerns, and discuss the key benefits of recreational sports, from skill development to pure enjoyment. Our conversation dives into the challenges facing recreational sports programs, including funding and staffing limitations, community support, and the need for public policy changes to support growth. By redefining recreational sports, we discuss how parents, communities, and organizations can work together to reshape youth sports and bring back a culture of fun, inclusive, and accessible athletic experiences for kids. Tune in to learn practical solutions and strategies that could help reenergize recreational sports and encourage lifelong physical activity.   Follow Dr. Butler on Twitter/X

In this episode of the Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we sit down with Carrie Jaworski, MD, FAAFP, FACSM, president-elect of the American College of Sports Medicine, to explore a growing challenge in youth sports—overscheduling. As young athletes juggle competitive sports, academics, and personal lives, the pressure to perform on all fronts can lead to burnout and negatively impact their well-being. Dr. Jaworski sheds light on: Signs of overscheduling and its effects on physical, mental, and emotional health. How academic performance can suffer under the weight of packed schedules. The roles parents, coaches, and athletes play—often unintentionally—in creating unsustainable routines. Dr. Jaworski also shares practical strategies for parents to prevent overscheduling and tips for coaches to find the right balance between practice and competition. She discusses the importance of teaching young athletes to manage their own schedules and advocate for their needs. Tune in to hear Dr. Jaworski’s insights on how we can foster a healthier youth sports culture that prioritizes balance, wellbeing and long-term enjoyment for our athletes. Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode offers essential advice for navigating the challenges of today’s demanding sports environment.

In this episode of the Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Thayne Munce to discuss a groundbreaking applied sports science research study titled "Beyond the Turf: Data-Driven Athlete Health." Dr. Munce and his team are utilizing innovative FieldTurf technology to collect real-time data from high school football players, providing actionable insights for coaches and athletes while gathering millions of deidentified data points. Through the SmartTeam project, this "living laboratory" model is already proving its value by shedding light on athletic performance, injury risks, and how data-driven approaches can improve athlete safety and well-being. Though still in its pilot phase, the study has shown tremendous promise for broader application in sports settings. Tune in to explore how the future of sports science is taking shape on the field and how data can revolutionize athlete health management. Perfect for coaches, athletes, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and sports performance!   Follow Dr. Munce on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ThayneMuncePhD

Andrew Gregory, MD, FACSM, joins us to explore how parents and coaches can help prevent overuse injuries in young athletes. We dive into the difference between overuse and acute injuries, the most common types of overuse injuries, and the risk factors that make young athletes vulnerable—especially early specialization in a single sport. Dr. Gregory shares evidence-based prevention strategies, including the importance of rest and recovery, strength training, and proper technique. We also discuss how coaches play a crucial role in injury prevention, and the importance of open communication between parents, coaches, and athletes. Whether you're a parent or coach, this episode offers essential insights to keep young athletes healthy, active, and injury-free.

In this episode of The Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we dive into "The Essential Role of the Athletic Trainer" with Terry DeWitt, PhD, AT, ACSM-EP, Professor and Chair of the Department of Kinesiology at Ouachita Baptist University. Dr. DeWitt sheds light on the critical role athletic trainers play in safeguarding the health and well-being of student-athletes, both physically and mentally. We discuss how athletic trainers differ from other sports-related professionals, the importance of having an athletic trainer available for middle and high school programs, and the common injuries they encounter. Dr. DeWitt also addresses the challenges schools face when they cannot afford full-time athletic trainers and explores practical solutions, including partnerships with healthcare systems, to ensure athletes receive quality care. This episode is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and school administrators who want to understand how athletic trainers contribute to the safety and success of youth sports programs.   Follow Terry on Twitter/X. Follow the NYSHSI on Twitter/X. Follow ACSM on Twitter/X.

Brent Nicoson, head women’s golf coach at Grand Canyon University, shares valuable insights for youth golf coaches and parents. We discuss essential coaching philosophies, key skills for young golfers, and the importance of role models and mentorship. Brent also covers the balance between physical and mental preparation, investment in golf development, and how to ensure young athletes enjoy the game for years to come. Tune in for practical advice to help your young golfer succeed!

In this episode of The Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we're joined by William Adams, Ph.D., ATC, FACSM, Associate Director of Sports Medicine Research at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Dr. Adams shares his expertise on heat illness and hydration, essential topics for keeping high school athletes safe. We delve into: Heat Illness: An overview of common heat illnesses seen in athletic settings and the progression from mild to potentially life-threatening conditions. Risk Reduction: Practical strategies to reduce the risk of heat illness during physical activity and the warning signs athletes, coaches, and supervisors should watch for. Health & Safety: Key actions that high schools can take to ensure their athletes participate safely, along with insights into the current landscape of health and safety policies across the U.S. Policy Barriers: A look at the challenges in adopting and implementing health and safety policies for high school sports and why national-level policies are lacking. State Leadership: Highlighting states that are leading the way in athlete safety and successful collaborations between schools and community health organizations. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with critical information to help you navigate the complexities of heat safety and overall health policies in high school sports. Tune in to learn how to keep athletes safe and thriving. Follow Dr. Adams on Twitter/X

Female wrestling is on the rise, and with that comes a host of challenges in maintaining the health and safety of these athletes. Today's guests are Kira Blum and Dr. Lisa Woodroffe of the University of Iowa Athletics Department, who bring their expertise and experience to this important conversation. The episode is centered around the article "Contemporary Issue: Health and Safety of Female Wrestlers," recently published in ACSM's Current Sports Medicine Reports, covering: The current state of women's wrestling, including the increasing number of states sanctioning girls' high school wrestling and the collegiate-level programs available in the United States. The protocols for determining Minimum Wrestling Weight (MWW), with a focus on the rationale for setting the limit at 12% body fat. An exploration of the limitations associated with current body fat assessment methods. Key points and questions raised in the article, offering a comprehensive view of the challenges and considerations in ensuring the health and safety of female wrestlers. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or sports enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of women's wrestling and the essential measures needed to protect and support female athletes in this sport. Tune in to understand the intricacies of wrestling weight protocols, the importance of proper nutrition, and the role of safe practices in promoting a healthy sports environment for female wrestlers.   Guests: Kira Blum, RDN, LC, Director of Sports Nutrition, University of Iowa Athletics Department, and Lisa Woodroffe, M.D., CAQSM, team physician, University of Iowa Athletics Department Read the related blog post: Safer Weight Certification for Female Wrestlers by Andrew Jagim, Ph.D.