Is Weight Lifting Safe For Kids

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On the other end of the spectrum is anaerobic exercise, an excellent way to stay in shape, increase muscle mass, or mold muscle you already have. It is commonly referred to as strength training. According to the article, “Is Weight Lifting Safe for Kids”,
“strength training-also called weight training and resistance training and distinct from weight lifting, power lifting, and bodybuilding-involves a variety of methods including use of free weights (dumbbells and barbells) and weight machines”. (“Is weight lifting safe for kids?") These anaerobic exercises involve a low heart rate and high pressure on the muscles, causing microscopic tearing of the muscle to stimulate rebuilding of larger and stronger muscles. “Resistance-training activities, …show more content…

Anaerobic exercise is often viewed as exercise for younger people, as “children and adolescents lift weights to increase their strength or enlarge their muscles.” (“Strength training, weight and power lifting, and body building by children”). However, anaerobic exercise is also beneficial for older people. “Especially for people in their late 70s and
80s, strength training shouldn't be neglected”. (Manson) One example of resistance training is the bench press. This exercise increases pectoral muscle strength and allows the body to lift heavier weights, as well as look more defined. Another example of an anaerobic exercise is a squat exercise. Keeping the heart rate low and pressing large amounts of weight allows extreme muscle gain upon the legs and powerful shaping to the body.
The anaerobic workout style exposes the body to intense weight on all joints and bones and has some serious potential threats, if done incorrectly. For instance, when squatting it is important to watch how the bar is set on your back otherwise, it could fall, damaging anything below. When deadlifting, it is important to keep a straight …show more content…

One of the most effective anaerobic exercises for fat burning would be sprinting.
“Sprint training increases stride power and running economy, benefits that transfer all the way down to marathon speed and below”. (“Workout Of The Week”) Sprints are short bursts, less than 2 minutes, of high intensity running. After two minutes the body uses the lungs to push oxygen into the bloodstream causing the body’s aerobic system to kick in. Sprinting activates your entire body, elevates your heart rate, puts pressure on your lungs, and forces your body to burn calories to help maintain the high intensity.
Although the positives are extremely desirable, we must be careful how the training is maintained. Without proper equipment and rest, our body will break down in time. For example, when sprinting, “you will need shoes with good soles for traction” to protect the ankles, knees, and other joints. (Shortliffe) With the quick bursts of running and turning from sprints, intense pressure is placed on these areas causing impact pain or loss of flexibility and large amounts of discomfort, and even possible arthritis.

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