Should Children Lift Weights? Here's What the Experts Say | CSCS Chapter 7

CSCS Chapter Study Guides & More: / drjacobgoodin
Should children lift weights? I'll answer that question and more as we cover Chapter 7 from Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. In this video I will cover essential youth resistance training guidelines, dispel youth weight training myths, and give you some practical tips from my experience.
Get certified as a CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist). This lecture is part of a comprehensive and ever-growing video series covering topics related to strength training and conditioning: bit.ly/3tOJp5s
TIME-STAMPS
coming soon
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Haff, G. G., & Triplett, N. T. (2015). Essentials of strength training and conditioning 4th edition. Human kinetics.
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Disclaimer: This video does not have any affiliation with, or any recognition, sponsorship, or
endorsement by, the NSCA. CSCS® and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® are registered trademarks of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
#CSCS #NSCA #DrGoodin
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Fellow strength specialists, thanks for checking out this video-it’s part of a playlist that dives into the major topics from the NSCA’s Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. I create these lectures for my strength and conditioning university students but hope that they bring value to you as well. More here: bit.ly/3tOJp5s
Additionally, check out my Structural Kinesiology playlist, which will equip you with fundamental human anatomy and movement knowledge to level up your coaching craft: bit.ly/38MuIHg
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Dr. Jacob Goodin is a professor of kinesiology at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), and holds a PhD in Sport Physiology and Performance from East Tennessee State University. He has over a decade of experience as a strength and conditioning coach and sport scientist from the high school to NCAA Division I levels. In addition to his role as a professor and research mentor, Dr. Goodin directs the Athlete Monitoring Initiative at PLNU, which provides testing and monitoring services to over 200 athletes yearly as well as research opportunities for kinesiology students.
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[@julianasum8481]

This video taught me a lot about how to train kids in terms of resistance training. I've never thought to train kids this way, so it was interesting to learn.

[@joshcombs123]

When I think about children lifting, I always think that the best way to train children it to get them to progress, move and lift without having them thinking they are "training". It would be fun, interactive, lose, and disorganized in a sense. Training like a kid is the best way to train IMO

[@user-sd3sv7uq7f]

Such a strong kid! This gave me a new understanding on how children can be involved in training in a proper way. Definitely not saying no to my nephews and nieces when they want to join in on working out.

[@braedenmoore3743]

I had always been told that kids can't workout or lift any weights because it might stunt their growth so this video was eye opening to me.

[@devynpryor8228]

Learning about the difference between biological and chronological age was so interesting. I didn't know they could vary so greatly.

[@rozalynnlarson8835]

The chart about DNA methylation was really cool, this was my first time learning about it

[@kylesands9693]

The clips of your kids lifting our absolute gold! Great work as usual Dr. Goodin.

[@austiniturbe4495]

Amazing to see how much research has been done about resistance training and how it benefits kids if done correctly. If kids don't like to participate in sports, maybe participating in a resistance training program can be an alternative and it'll make them healthier. I wasn't brought up with the idea of working out until my freshman year of high school, and I could've definitely benefited plenty if someone told me about RT. Probably have more mobility in my hips than I do now.

[@celinegriffin3244]

I loved how your kids were so into exercising with you! I hope your daughter was okay when her brother dropped the barbell on her head!!

[@matthewwadley4348]

Loved hearing and learning about how to design a program that can benefit the children

[@mragowo]

Excellent video, well delivered content that most coaches/educators in physical activity realm should have an annual refresher on. Only heard few other people make this observation about the kiddos being mainly interval/sprint style in their activities by nature.

[@joshuawada8783]

The new intro is FIRE.

[@brysonhashimoto2878]

I find it very interesting that there has been a lot of research done on children lifting weights and the great benefits that come from this if they are doing it correctly.

[@audreyoates3242]

Love the clips of your children learning and playing with their weights! Very interesting information, never thought that much about kids and resistance training, only recreational sports/activities!

[@charmenatchison854]

There are weights for children?! Oh my daughter is going to love this! She loves to train so I'm glad to learn about how to best let her.

[@jupshaw]

Learning about how youth training is different from a traditional collegiate athlete is very important as hammering the basic movement patterns without much load is essential. Very helpful!

[@emilywalker9462]

This has to be one of my favorite videos! It is just so fascinating, especially as I was a child athlete with coaches who had different philosophies on training. I love what you had to say about having them train how they play.

[@lexireynish5892]

It's really cool to see how much the human body changes and develops. This is really important to know and share!

[@morganrolleri9198]

Loved the examples with your kids! It was so funny but also very helpful to get a visual of how to incorporate exercise into fun for children.

[@zoiezantua7002]

I had no idea that there were vast differences biological and chronological ages. Also your kiddos are adorable and I love that they are interested in what you do.

[@tianguyen3897]

I think it is so important to prioritize having fun and teaching children safe techniques! I loved seeing your little kiddos. Too cute.

[@plasticlung78]

This is your best video. You talk educated as a professional, and as an experienced informed father.

[@cameransherwood5157]

Crazy the misconceptions that are around lifting weights in children, this video clears up and makes it all really understandable! Thanks Dr. Goodin!!

[@emilydonahue8216]

This was so interesting! I love that their training would include how they play!

[@alannabergherm8046]

I loved the clips you included of your own kids lifting weights and having fun!!

[@makaylageorge9978]

I loved seeing your kids do exercises in this video!

[@madelinejewelnebril2871]

I really like how you discussed that the training should mimic how the kids play. It can be difficult when the child isn't showing interest in the activity so putting in the effort to engage them with a fun environment is super important!

[@hannahb872]

I think it is such a great habit you've incorporated into your family's lifestyle of lifting weights! I definitely grew up thinking lifting weights early would damage growth plates but learning a bit more with the video on chp. 7 I can see how weight lifting can be easily incorporated into the day & has great benefits for a child's development.

[@cjbuenviaje]

I think the concept of biological age and chronological age is fascinating. It is crazy seeing how there are very young athletes who are well over 6'5 with the body of a grown men. I wonder how much of that is through resistance training and diet as it is to biological factors.

[@aribhalla9820]

This was one of my favorite lectures videos thus far. It's so interesting to hear these myths debunked about resistance training with children. Also, your kids are sooo cute!

[@evakoutelieris9550]

I really enjoyed this video. I have a younger brother so it has always been a big thing about trying to decide if he should be lifting or not.

[@kennyvogan5673]

Definitely want to encorperate some resistance training into my athletes for gymnastics. Thank you for sharing!

[@evaozimec]

It's so great how into your kids are to workout with you. Your daughter doing an Olympic lift was awesome!

[@MatthewDuPrey325]

I found this video really interesting and to be important for todays times especially with a lot of kids starting training at a young age.

[@isabellecousineau302]

It is so interesting to learn about this stuff because many people are against children lifting weights, but there is also a lack of research and educating kids how to lift properly and safely.

[@emmasanchez5975]

I liked how you said when training kids it's not to get a PR, but to try for reducing the risk of injury and knowing the movements. Also loved the clips with your kids! It was very cute!

[@wyattcarlson7504]

Seeing the differences in training children versus training a normal adult is a super important topic for us to cover. It can help us to maximize the training that we give these kids while also keeping them as safe as possible.

[@jamarmack9626]

I really enjoyed seeing all of the videos of your kids learning the proper way to lift

[@dereklinck2672]

When applied correctly the principles and benefits of proper strength training can be seen to benefit almost all ages! Great video and very informative as a father of two children myself. Nice little funny at the end there with your kids.

[@moirabryson5042]

I didn't realize that wih resistance training in children that hypertrophy wouldn't be a focus until after puberty, but your explanation as to why completely makes sense. Thnak you!

[@ChynnaKifer]

I like how you highlighted the different youth physical developments in both girls and boys. Also, at which chronological age coaches should focus their training around in order to get proper development.

[@lucamarin8565]

Learned a lot regarding training kids. Ive heard many people say they shouldn't train its great to learn how to do it properly.

[@torilucht5871]

This was a very cool video and I appreciated the clear example of how chronological and biological age differs for children and how that affects their participation in sport and resistance training!

[@TheYogiworld]

Very nice explanation thank u☺️☺️☺️👌

[@macynunez4455]

Loved this video! So cool to learn about biological age how we can implement resistance training in a fun and engaging way for kiddos! Brothers can be such a pain sometimes but they're still fun, haha!

[@mrudyinco]

Your thoughts about kid's exercises mimicking how they play are consistent with both what I leaned as a CPT via NASM and ACE. It was fun to see your kids having fun and keeping things light.

[@BrianaReynoso]

I really enjoyed this video because it debunked a myth i've been hearing since I was a child! My parents would never want me to carry anything heavy in order to "not stunt my growth". Im excited to share this information with them and others!

[@kieranmccarty4050]

Great video Dr. Goodin! I enjoyed learning about how our biological ages may be different, which means that we may have different training limits. This can be caused by genetics and other things.

[@jasonpena3556]

Your daughter is awesome, also focusing on hypertrophy can be a consideration for training post puberty

[@Paul-ry3jq]

And he’s back

[@DrJacobGoodin]

Took awhile!

[@madelinehernandez8838]

I learned a lot from this chapter and video. I always thought having children lift weights would damage their growth plates. I have now learned that with proper training, supervision, and techniques this is not the case.

[@Adam.gates_]

I wish I started training when I was younger! I think I could have prevented quite a few injuries that way.

[@ameliabrock]

I never thought it would be safe for kids to do resistance training, this was really interesting!

[@mayurrasal9938]

Thanks bro 😎

[@bensonmutuvi8429]

I definitely plan on having my children in sports in general and healthy activity.

[@CoachWolfe]

I have been watching this series in addition to my nasm performance enhancement certification. I think my absolute favorite thing is seeing you training with your kids. Wonderful family.

[@DrJacobGoodin]

I love this. Thanks for the reminder about what's truly important in all this! Pouring into the next generation 💪 But yeah man those three littles are my greatest joys-aside from wifey of course ;)

[@MQGC-SportsChannel]

How i get this book in pdf?

[@joyshang5670]

I thought it was interesting to note that children can exercise but it is important to incorporate it in a fun manner!

[@ryanharris8481]

What I found interesting was how strength gain in children are due to neurological adaptations because of the low hormone levels in the body

[@keonihughes4242]

I’ve heard the myth of resistance training being bad for the epiphyseal growth plate, good to hear the real info.

[@DevanneyBoyd]

This video is super informative and helpful, debunking the myth that children should not weight train.

[@willhopkins4197]

Loved the real examples with the videos of your kids, especially when your son threw the barbell at his sister! Just really goes to show how unpredictable kids can be.

[@ZDB23]

29:58 had me cracking up 😂😂😂

[@workwithwally]

I wasn't ready 🤣

[@prabhanjanavramagiri8208]

Y on earth have you stopped? Go on this is great

[@laurenomalley9063]

Neurological factors are the main reason for the gains in which preadolescent boys and girls can significantly improve their strength above and beyond growth and maturation

[@avajgallo]

I had no idea kids weight lift, but props to them!!

[@wyntonbrown9439]

Previously I have always heard that kids shouldn't lift weights because it could be harmful to their growth but watching this video helped recognize that there are potentially some benefits if done properly

[@hayleesaurette1798]

I think it is important to note that children should be doing some form of exercise and if it is weight lifting, rather than progressing to heavier loads, progress to more reps and sets until the child is past puberty.

[@everoche3754]

I think the difference between biological vs actual age was cool to learn about! It is important for us to remember that because of genetics and other factors, our biological ages may be different causing us to have different thresholds for training.

[@kelli-lynroche8446]

I did not know that the only real adaptation in children to resistance training is neurological adaptations. I do not know why people would always say that resistance training would stunt growth... my parents always kept my brothers and I very active and would take us to the gym with them when we were kids. I think it builds great discipline.

[@addielucci7383]

Hello! Your videos are great and very helpful. Will you be making videos are chapters 9, 10 and 11? Thank you!

[@alexcosse2454]

Excellent video! I do have 2 questions about the periodization program at the end of the video. 1.) Would you program closely to the development chart or follow that diagram for youth athletic class with boys and girls exactly how it is with? 2.) Training structure is referring to what exactly having structure? And how would you set up a 2x a week program based of that chart? IS it anyway I can get access to those two chart at the end of the video so I can keep referring to them please.

[@makennakaczmarczyk7563]

I thought it was really interesting that children can return to untrained vales during their detraining periods. This is why it's so important for kids to be in sports all year round!

[@melanieweirich8482]

I found it really interesting how most of the "gains" in children come from neurological changes rather than hypertrophic changes. It makes sense since they don't have much testosterone or other hormones circulating.

[@caleighgarcia7792]

I have never actually laughed out loud as hard as I did when your son hit your daughter with the barbell. Those videos of your kids weightlifting were so cute and impressive as well!

[@iyappans5259]

wow coming back

[@DrJacobGoodin]

Gotta give the people what they want!

[@iyappans5259]

Nsca Cscs program design

[@DrJacobGoodin]

@@iyappans5259 check out my 6 part series on it. First videos is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2e9k4t_bNeYrs0

[@strivemore]

You're a legend!

[@DrJacobGoodin]

I just checked out your channel, nice work brother! Keep it up

[@strivemore]

@@DrJacobGoodin Thanks! my focus has been more towards tik tok and insta, I tried to give you a shout on instagram last night, Ill tag you next time whats your handle?

[@thelmasepulveda4481]

I always thought the myths were true that strength training in kids can be harmful so this was a great video to know that it can actually be beneficial. I also liked the videos of your kids!

[@dimitricarrion6145]

I found it interesting that with proper technique and training, children can lift weights without damaging growth plates.

[@REPSDirect]

Your darling daughter looks like you and performing squats with perfect posture - obviously she learns fast.

[@christistruth3112]

can thr pressure on spine stunt growth of spine?

[@The.Ghost.of.Tom.Joad.]

Interesting. I grew up in the late '70s/ early '80s when the advice was "don't let your kids lift." But that was also coupled with the advice, "Get them into the fresh air and let them play!" And I still think that's good advice. As it is, our kids today have too little freedom and too much structure. A structured training program is just another bit of hover-parenting that'll stifle young people's creativity. I was training when I was young but didn't know it. My parents kicked us out of the house (eight kids'll do that) and forced us to interact with the real world. Instead of playing Atari, we'd climb trees, fences, and walls (we grew up in an urban area), hop over ditches and streams, lift rocks, abandoned tires, and tree limbs in dumb feats of strength, hold pushup, situp or burpee contests, etc. Not to mention biking everywhere, playing pickup basketball, football, street hockey, etc. You know. Dumb preadolescent stuff your kids will do when left to their own devices. But no summer leagues. No winter baseball in indoor fields. No year-round basketball. No traveling teams. Sure, we played team sports, but only in-season. I played CYO football, basketball, track, and baseball. Casual affairs compared to these days. To be honest, I miss those days. There was pressure for me to specialize my kids, especially my daughter who was an excellent, natural soccer player. But I resisted the traveling teams and camp after camp that her soon-to-be high school coaches recommended and had her playing softball and basketball too. Not to mention just doing dumb kid stuff, like playing Ghost, hiking, and Kick-the-Can. PS. She went on to play college soccer.

[@jakegonzales1367]

Your demonstrating how to go a goblet squat to your kids was funny just by the fact the one of your children was just sitting there doing nothing.

[@clairemasterson6031]

I'm fairly certain your daughter can handle more weight than I can and in a dress at that.

[@jadenrea1109]

I thought this was an awesome video as I have never really dove into the topic of kids and strength training. This video was super interesting as the topics it covered were super relevant. I also thought it was interesting how there are different age values to describe the development of a child. (biological, skeletal, chronological).