HappyGirls
Cheer Parent
- Feb 2, 2016
- 114
- 171
I don't generally weigh in, as I don't have a cheer background. However, I read a couple times in this thread that it is unsafe for young children to weight train. That is incorrect--according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is safe for children as young as 7 or 8 to weight train. It is not recommended to do power lifting, single repetition "max weight" type lifting. Here is a link to the AAP's statement:
Strength Training by Children and Adolescents | FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS | Pediatrics
I was a child athlete who competed at elite levels in my sport, and I went on to compete at an NCAA Division 1 college. I began weight training at age 8, and never suffered ill effects from it. In fact, an overuse injury I had was corrected by adding certain weight training exercises.
My CP's are 7 and 9 and have just started weight training. The purpose is mainly to prevent injury. We did a consult with physical therapy and have a list of exercises to reduce risk for common injuries like ACL tears. An example is doing squats on a balance ball--squats strengthen both large muscle groups, like hams and quads and adding the balance ball helps strengthen the small muscles that support the knee joint. ACL injuries are rarely seen in younger kids, but the risk spikes at puberty for girls, so it is best to have the muscle development that reduces risk of injury in place beforehand. Hope some find this info helpful for their CP's.
Strength Training by Children and Adolescents | FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS | Pediatrics
I was a child athlete who competed at elite levels in my sport, and I went on to compete at an NCAA Division 1 college. I began weight training at age 8, and never suffered ill effects from it. In fact, an overuse injury I had was corrected by adding certain weight training exercises.
My CP's are 7 and 9 and have just started weight training. The purpose is mainly to prevent injury. We did a consult with physical therapy and have a list of exercises to reduce risk for common injuries like ACL tears. An example is doing squats on a balance ball--squats strengthen both large muscle groups, like hams and quads and adding the balance ball helps strengthen the small muscles that support the knee joint. ACL injuries are rarely seen in younger kids, but the risk spikes at puberty for girls, so it is best to have the muscle development that reduces risk of injury in place beforehand. Hope some find this info helpful for their CP's.