Is it safe/ a good idea for my child to strength train?

  I have been asked many times by interested parents whether or not getting involved in a strength and conditioning program is a good idea for their child.  I went through some files and found this position statement by the National Strength and Conditioning Association on Youth Resistance Training YouthResistanceTrainingUpdatedPosition2.pdf

  The position statement was published and reviewed by a panel of physical education teachers, strength coaches, and physicians.  It is a long article, but the take home message is that a properly administered youth resistance program is not only safe, but can have some great benefits!  This obviously includes increasing sports performance, but also the added health benefits of reducing sports related injuries, improving bone health and body composition, and helping to jump start a lifelong healthy liftestyle.  

  We had some great success last year with our youth strength & conditioning programs (7th-8th grade), and can't wait to get them started again this school year.