FAQ

Does strength and resistance training stunt the growth of youth and adolescent athletes?

 

A systematic review with a meta-analysis assessed the effect of strength training or resistance exercises on the longitudinal growth in children aged 7-12 years.  Of the 16 studies with 1008 analyzed participants that had measured longitudinal growth, no difference was observed in the linear growth of the children who underwent strength training and those who did not (1).

 

Multiple studies have shown there is no adverse effects of resistance training in youth athletes, when designed properly, and is often completed injury free.  Instead, youth and adolescents who incorporate resistance training have demonstrated decreased rates of fracture and muscular injuries associated with sport specific practice and competition (2-6).  

 

Injuries related to youth and adolescent resistance training are most often due to improper form and poorly designed programs (7).

 

What are the requirements for a good fitness training program for youth and adolescent athletes?

 

There are three main components for good exercise training when working with youth and adolescents.  First, it is imperative the athlete is educated on proper techniques of lifting.  Second, effective supervision is essential for an effective training program.  Third, designing a program that is effective without overly taxing the youth lifter is critical to gaining the benefit of resistance training without increasing risk of injury (8).

 

Why is Flexibility, Agility, Strength Training important for youth and adolescent athletes?

 

Studies have shown when children and adolescents perform resistance training there are positive associations between muscular fitness, bone health, self-esteem, and disease prevention (8).  Regular training enhances athletic development, improves tolerance to the demands of long-term training, and provides long term health benefits that lead into adulthood (9).  Studies have also shown when youth and adolescents undertake initial resistance training, they will have increased gains in strength compared to adults undergoing initial resistance training (2,3). Resistance training has been shown to decrease sports related injury rates by increasing bone strength, strengthening tendons, strengthening accessory muscles, and strengthening stabilizer muscles (5). Another huge benefit of youth fitness training is when practiced during childhood it tends to be maintained throughout life (8).

 

Will every youth athlete benefit from FAST Youth?

 

Every youth athlete will benefit tremendously by working with FAST Youth. With that said it takes dedication, determination, and motivation to be successful with FAST Youth similar to anything else one wants to achieve.  If the youth athlete is willing to commit to improve sport performance through Flexibility, Agility, Strength, Training they will have amazing outcomes.  However, if the youth athlete lacks motivation, determination, goal setting they will likely have difficulty staying consistent with FAST Youth.  The workouts are high intensity and muscle fatigue, sweating and, shortness of breath will happen.  Additionally, soreness from delayed onset muscle soreness will happen due to muscle hypertrophy.  FAST Youth is for all youth athletes who desire to take their training and sport performance to the next level.

 

What performance improvements will be seen from Sport Specific Private Training/Lessons?

 

The sport specific training offered by FAST Youth is designed to increase strength, speed, and optimize mechanical performance based on leading key research assisting professional athletes today, and in the future.  Youth athletes participating in lessons can expect to see improvements in batted ball velocity, launch angle, throwing/pitching velocity, and overall awareness of the proper elements required to achieve elite movement.  These improvements will translate to in game performance, and improved self-confidence.

 

References:

1. Alves JG, Alves GV.  Effects of Physical Activity on Children’s Growth.  J Pediatr (Rio J). 2019;95:S72-S78.

2. Negra Y, Chasbene H, Hannami M, etc al.  Effects of High- Velocity Resistance Training on Athletic Performance in Prepuberal Male Soccer Athletes. J Strengh Cond Res. 2016;30:3290-7.

3.  Lloyd RD, Radner JM, De Ste Croix MB, et al.  Changes I. sprint and Jump Performances Afyer Traditional, Plyomertric, and Combined Reaistance Training in Male Youth Pre- and Post-peak Height Velocity. J Strength Cond Res 2016:30:1239-47.

4.  Bedoya AA, Miltenberger MR, Lopez RM. Plyometric Training Effects on Athletic Performance in Youth Soccer Athletes: A Syestematic Review.  J Strength Cind area 2015;29:2351-60.

5. Legerlotz K, Marzilger R, Bohm S, et al.  Physiological Adaptations following Resistance Training in Youth Athletes- A Narrative Review.  Pediatr Exercise Sci 2016;28:501-20.

6. Lesinski M, Prieske O, Granacher U.  Effects and dose response relationships of resistance training on physical performance in youth athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med 2016;50:781-95.

7.  Faigenbaum AD, Kraemer WJ, Blimkie CJ, et al.  Youth Resistance Training: Updated Position Statement Paper from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. J Strength Cond Res 2009;23:S60-79.

8.  Myers AM, Beam NW, Fakhoury JD.  Resistance Training for Children and Adolescents.  Transl Pediatr 2017;6(3):137-143,

9.  Granacher U, Lesinski M, Busch D, et al.  Effects of Resistance Training in Youth Athletes on Muscular Fitness and Athletic Performance: A Conceptual Model for Long-Term Athlete Development.  Front Physiology 2016;7:164.