There are many benefits to participating in a safe, well-designed strength training program. Despite misinformation about the safety of strength training for youth athletes, working with an experienced and qualified trainer can set up the athlete for long-term success in sport and life.
One common concern is the risk of damaging joints and the epiphyseal plate, or growth plate. According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), forces placed on the joints of young athletes while competing in their sport are far greater and more difficult to anticipate than the forces generated from resistance training.
As stated and supported by the NSCA, in addition to increasing muscular strength, power, and muscular endurance, regular participation in a resistance training program can result in a decrease in body fat, improvements in insulin sensitivity, and enhanced cardiac function among obese children and adolescents. The benefits also include increased bone density, and injury risk reduction.