ABOUT THE PPG YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The rewards for introducing a properly structured, age specific strength and conditioning program to young people are enormous. Unfortunately many parents have been deterred from exposing their children to what can and should be an incredibly positive practice by the vast amounts of myth and misinformation which surround this topic. PPG is proud to be able to offer a cutting edge youth development program to rival any in the world.
Youth Training Myths and Facts
The following information is taken from an article published by the American College of Sports Medicine in October 2016
Myth:
Strength training is unsafe for children.
Evidence:
Firstly, an article published by the American college of sports medicine stated that there is no greater demonstrated risk in comparison to sports and other activities children participate in (R1). Further to this Stodden, & Brooks say that correctly coached and delivered strength training will actually decrease the risk of injury; which, incidentally is also true of adults.
PPG Youth Team: :
Every member of the PPG youth team is educated to degree level in sports science and has personally researched the pros and cons of strength training for youth athletic development. We are experienced in working with young adults and pride ourselves on achieving results and creating a safe environment that is also fun.
Myth:
Strength training will stunt the growth of children.
Evidence:
This is a myth that was born out of uneducated statement and opinion rather than scientific research or proven fact. To date there is no research that shows stunted growth patterns or early fusing of growth plates in children as a result of strength training. Although, it is important to note that there have been injuries sustained which have been attributed to the misuse of equipment, inappropriate weight, improper technique, or lack of qualified adult supervision.
PPG Youth Team:
Before the team decided to begin our journey into the rewarding work of youth development we extensively reviewed the research and are happy that our professionally delivered programme is both safe and beneficial to children and young adults.
Myth:
Children cannot increase strength because they do not have enough testosterone.
Evidence:
The first bone of contention to this statement is the well-researched and proven ability of two demographics with low testosterone to make strength gains and increase muscle mass; namely, women and the elderly. A meta-analysis published in Paediatrics concluded that although the ability to gain strength seems to increase with age, there was no noticeable boost during puberty; when testosterone increases. Further to this a review of strength training in adults showed,
“Children can improve strength by 30% to 50% after just 8 to 12 weeks of a well-designed strength training program. Youth need to continue to train at least 2 times per week to maintain strength”.
PPG Youth Team:
We regularly deliver and can attest to the fantastic strength gains available to youth following a well-designed and progressive strength programme. If anything, we believe it is a travesty that most youth will not understand the untapped strength and power, there body is capable of.
Summary:
Summary: Parents should undoubtedly be wary of exposing their children to inappropriate training methods at the hands of under qualified and inexperienced coaches. However, when programmed and supervised correctly, strength and fitness training for young people should be safe, fun and produce excellent improvements in general health, physical confidence, coordination and subsequently sporting potential. If you would like to come in for a chat about our Youth Development Program click here to get in touch
Registered Address:
Ground Floor, Lyster Court, The Millfields, 2 Craigie Drive, Plymouth, PL13JB
T: 01752 223074
M: 07904 189685
Registered No: 07692820 in England and Wales
© 2022 Plymouth Performance Gym.
