Importance of Strength Training for Young Athletes

Here at Figure by Faith, we focus on helping a variety of clients with their mind, body, and spirit. We wanted to touch base on a topic we don’t hear much about. We ALL want to see our children succeed in their favorite sport or hobby. As a parent, you may worry about the safety concerns and health affects of your child. We feel that it is important to share knowledgable and accurate information so parents can make a wise decision and help their youth athletes reach the goal they are striving for! Figure by Faith is pursuing athletes of all ages at our training facility and welcome all aspiring athletes who want that one on one professional attention to achieve their goals!

There are a variety of benefits to working with a Trainer at Figure by Faith. We help create a foundation for the future. Based on the athletes goals, we ensure to help develop their motor skills, provide knowledge about the muscle mechanics & coordination, and help with stability and strength as they progress through their athletic career. Over time, athletes go through a number of changes. The main fundamentals for long-term development will be established with Personal Training. We find it important that the athlete is proficient in their basic movements with correct form, so they have room for growth and development as we progress.

When athletes train in the form of Strength Training, it is important they have the accurate knowledge to train with proper form. We express a variety of techniques based off the individuals goals to ensure safety and reduce the risk of injury. The technique an athlete first learns is going to be the technique they will be using forever. If form is learned incorrectly, they increase the risk of injury. Strength Training with a personal trainer insures that the lift will be executed with proper form, whether it’s light weight or heavy weight. Training in the form of strength training with young athletes helps build injury resiliency as they improve their joint flexibility, tendon strength, & core strength.

Building an athletes self esteem at a young age can benefit the athlete. Studies have shown an increase in positive self image with a regular strength training regimen. It helps young athletes gain focus, attention, and dedication. They are able to see what their body is capable of, in which it could not do before. All that in addition to improved body composition from their training. This can also impact an athletes daily life in addition to their sport.

A stronger athlete is a better athlete. Quite too often, we see parents and coaches who mainly focus on the sport-specific training, when the real benefit to a better athlete comes from a well rounded program that inter-mixes a variety of training styles. Being a youth athlete, they do not have the strength, endurance, or stability of their muscles and joints to properly perform many sport skills. Sport-specific training at a young age can help with imbalances and poor techniques. Training one on one with a trainer to create a stronger athlete can result in improved speed, agility, quickness, & conditioning based off the overall goal.

If you are a young athlete looking to succeed with proper form and increased strength, we would love to work with you! Figure by Faith features knowledgable trainers with sport backgrounds and knowledge of a variety of training styles to minimize athlete burnout. We pride ourselves in proper form and technique to create the best athlete you can be! Feel free to schedule a FREE consultation by emailing dgray@figurebyfaith.com.

Sources: http://www.parisisschool.com/strength-training-young-athletes/

Deb Gray