“My Kid Wants Muscles Like The Rock, But Looks More Like Pebbles”

Part 1

 Kids and Working out: Is it Safe and What to Expect

In clinical practice, the most common questions about exercise for youth (ages 6-20) concern resistance training. The good news is that well-controlled studies have reported no injuries. As with adults, proper form in weight training is non-negotiable. Most athletic improvements in young resistance exercisers come from increases in motor neuron recruitment, which enhances strength without muscle hypertrophy. This means that movement efficiency and neurological recruitment of muscle groups account for most of the benefits. For kids, we focus on ease, control of movement, and improvements in strength, speed, and endurance, rather than appearance and how much they measure up to the Rock. The connection between neurological and muscular recruitment is so crucial that advanced athletes use specific priming exercises to activate these pathways before workouts and competitions to boost performance and prevent injuries—a technique known as neural priming.

"This 'Kids and Working Out' series will explore exercise concepts for youth, focusing on safety and effectiveness."

-Dr. Goodbender

References:

 Lloyd, R. S., Faigenbaum, A. D., Stone, M. H., Oliver, J. L., Jeffreys, I., Moody, J. A., . . . Myer G. D. (2014). Position statement on youth resistance training: The 2014 international consensus. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(7), 498–505. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-092952

Dr. Goodbender authored Lord O’sis, a children’s graphic novel on back pain prevention

A graphic novel for kids and parents with a “search and find” and tips for reinforcing good posture and body mechanics.

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

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