The argument of whether resistance training is safe for children has gone on for decades. Recent evidence has demonstrated that resistance training and callisthenics training (using own body weight) in children is safe, when given appropriate cuing and supervision (1,2). Resistance training appears to be especially useful for children who are considered overweight or obese (1,2). Resistance training has been shown to have significant benefits on physical and psychological health for children (1,2).

 

Some of these benefits include (1,2,3):

 

- Decreased body mass

- Decreased risk of cardiovascular disease

- Decreased risk of injury

- Improved muscle strength

- Improved power development

- Psychological benefits (such as confidence and positive body image)

- Improved overall body composition (BMI, hip circumference and skin folds)

 

How can we achieve this at Built2Move?

At Built2Move, we strive towards ensuring children have fun during their sessions, while also achieving their needs. Majority of our sessions are strength focused. This can incorporate body weight, resistance equipment, balance and stability exercises. Each exercise session is individually designed to suit the individual needs of our client.

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Client Success Story! (Photos in full article)

 

"Extensive research shows regular participation in exercise helps to manage anxiety. Exercise

increases those feel good brain chemicals and lowers those stress chemicals.

The great news is exercise has been clinically and scientifically proven to lower anxiety and

associated behaviours. Exercise is frequently used as an effective treatment method to

manage anxiety and improve focus, helping my kids learn.

In most sessions we focus on developing cardiovascular fitness, core strength, coordination

and balance. The benefits of having an Exercise Physiologist work with my kids is that he

corrects their technique, motivates them and prescribes a large variety of exercises to meet

their sensory needs using a range of exercise equipment." - Quote from mother of 3.

 

References:

1. Ten Hoor G, Plasqui G, Ruiter R, Kremers S, Rutten G, Schols A et al. A new direction in psychology and health:

Resistance exercise training for obese children and adolescents. Psychology & Health. 2015;31(1):1-8.

2. Shaw I, E Boshoff V, Coetzee S, Shaw B. Efficacy of Home-Based Callisthenic Resistance Training on Cardiovascular

Disease Risk in Overweight Compared to Normal Weight Preadolescents. Asian Journal of Sports Medicine. 2020;12(1).

3. Bebich-Philip M, Thornton A, Reid S, Wright K, Furzer B. Adaptation of the Resistance Training Skills Battery for Use in

Children Across the Motor Proficiency Spectrum. Pediatric Exercise Science. 2016;28(3):473-480.