The explosion of competitive sports in our local communities creates new challenges for parents and physicians. Children are told they must compete year round. Do we get caught up in the hoopla or “ruin” our child’s chances of making the team by saying no?

Weight training is a key component to many of these training programs. Weight training, when done properly, is not harmful to young children. However, the positive effects of proper weight training are not seen until the child has reached puberty. The adult levels of important hormones like testosterone and growth hormones are reached during puberty, and they are needed to allow the increase in muscle mass, which translates to increased performance.

In younger children, the emphasis should be on body control, body position, and proper technique, and not on muscle size and strength. Cross training with other sports will teach them invaluable skills and prevent early burnout and muscle imbalance problems, such as the shoulder pain seen in young pitchers and swimmers.

How do you pick the right program? Talk with the athletic director about their goals. Talk with you child about his/her goals. Younger children need something simple or they lose interest quickly. Older children can focus better on long-term goals.