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Youth Training Considerations

By July 18, 2019December 20th, 2019Personal Training, Wellness

By: Rhys Geske, NSCA Certified Personal Trainer

Have you ever wondered when the right age is to start a resistance training program for your son or daughter?  If you’re not a parent and you’re reading this feel free to page down for a homemade protein coffee frappuccino recipe!

There’s a growing pandemic that’s happening in our world today.  Childhood obesity rates are climbing.  Everyone knows exercise is good for the body and soul.  However, when is the right age to start resistance training?  The short answer is; it depends on each child or adolescent.

Biological vs. chronological age should be noted.  For example:  a seven-year old might have full capacity and maturity in executing proper form vs a 12-year old who does not.  I’d always treat each youth by their biological stage in life.  After all, age is just a number correct?

There is no minimum age requirement at which children can begin training.  The important checklist to consider is are they mentally and physically ready to comply with coaching instructions and undergo the stress of a training program.

Strength coaches/trainers should design a proper training template to make exercise fun but also an important learning platform.  When children have goals or sports to train for it really does make the program more enjoyable.  I’d always coach and encourage self-improvement and feel good about performances (e.g., the ability to correctly perform a multi-joint lift).  The younger we can teach our youth the importance of a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management, and regular exercise, the more we are setting them up for a well-balanced life.

Anytime you want to consider a training program for your children, feel free to set-up a free consultation with one of the Courts Plus trainers. Visit our website for more information.  We are here to help… parents too!

To help you cool-down this summer try this HOMEMADE PROTEIN FRAPPUCCINO RECIPE:

  • Place all ingredients into a blender:
    • Cup of crushed ice or cubes
    • 1 scoop of protein powder ( I prefer vanilla )
    • 1 cup of coffee (have it already cold from the refrigerator, dark roast is tasty)
    • ½ cup of milk of your choice
    • Dash of cinnamon – optional of course.
      • To make it thicker use more ice
    • Blend everything up and enjoy!

Have a great rest of your summer everyone and take care!  Rhys

Rhys | Courts Plus

Education: National Personal Training Institute, North Dakota State University with a B.S. in Speech Communication and Minor in Mass Communication
Certifications/Memberships: NSCA Certified Personal Trainer, NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, IKFF Kettlebell Instructor