Some people used to think youth athletes should not lift weights. But science shows that this is not true.
When done correctly, strength training for a youth athlete is safe and very beneficial for youth athletes (Faigenbaum et al., 2009).
Strength training helps kids:
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Build stronger muscles
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Improve bone health
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Move more efficiently
It also helps prevent injuries. This is one of the cornerstones of youth athlete development. Athletes who are stronger can better control their bodies during movement (Myer et al., 2011).
Strength is the base of everything.
No strength = limited speed.
Even young athletes can benefit from simple exercises like:
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Squats
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Push-ups
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Jumps
These movements teach the body how to produce force.
And here’s the big idea:
Strength training is not about lifting heavy weights—it’s about learning how to move well.
When young athletes build strength early, they set themselves up for long-term success.
References
Faigenbaum, A. D., et al. (2009). Pediatrics.
Myer, G. D., et al. (2011). Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.