For Immediate Release
Strength Training Beneficial for Youth and Teens
While some parents hesitate to allow children to participate in strength training, proper weight lifting has many benefits for youth. Building a strong foundation in strength training knowledge helps young people understand muscle mechanics and prevents injuries by teaching them proper technique.
Strength training has additional benefits for young athletes. It helps ensure that youth develop motor skills, understand muscle mechanics, and become more coordinated, stable and strong as they progress in their chosen sports. Since young people go through many physical changes during adolescence, it’s vital that they learn proper fundamentals so they can experience long-term success in athletics.
Growing stronger and more confident in the weight room also has a positive impact on young people’s confidence and self-esteem. Studies have shown an increase in positive self-image with regular strength training. Developing a safe, realistic schedule for cardio and strength training can help youth improve their focus, attention, and follow-through.
The YMCA’s Youth Free Weight Training program is designed to strengthen families by providing opportunities to exercise together in a safe and fun environment. The goal of our program is to teach youth proper safety and form when strength training with free weights.
The two-session course is instructed by a Certified Personal Trainer who discusses the major muscle groups, basic free weight exercises and proper safety and etiquette in the Wellness Center. Proper form and technique will be emphasized, and the program will conclude with both written and practical exams. While this course is required for any youth ages 11 to 13 who wants to use free weights in the YMCA Wellness Center, all youth members age 11 and up are strongly encouraged to participate. An adult must attend both sessions with the registered youth. At the Mattoon Area Family YMCA, this course is offered from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday and Thursday of every month.
At the Neal Center YMCA, the first course will be offered from 6 to 7 p.m. on October 21 and 22. After that, it will be offered on the last Monday and Tuesday evenings of quarterly months. Advance registration is required for Youth Free Weight Training, and there is a fee of $15. Participants must have a free youth consultation in the Wellness Center prior to the training. In order to schedule a consultation or register for the training, parents can call (217) 234-9494 for Mattoon or (217) 235-2500 for Toledo. Online registration is also available at www.mattoonymca.org and www.nealcenterymca.org.
