What is strength training?

Strength training consists of exercises to improve muscle strength. This usually consists of some type of resistance exercise, which may include weights, elastic bands, or simply exercises using body weight against gravity. Pilates is a great way to work on strength as well as your postural endurance/ core muscles. Your Physiotherapist at City Physiotherapy Adelaide can teach you a specific strength training program that is designed especially to suit your individual needs. We can do this for patients of any age, whether it’s for an adult, a child or an older person.

Is strength training safe for children?

If performed properly, strength training is safe and even beneficial for children. Strength training can improve performance and reduce risk of injury. Besides strengthening muscles, strength training can also strengthen ligaments, tendons, and bones. Balance, body awareness, and self-esteem can also be improved.

Does strength training work in children?

Strength training, even in children, has been shown to provide measurable gains in strength. However, consistent long-term strength training provides the best results rather than short, intermittent periods of training. Children gain strength in a different manner than adults. Typically, adults gain strength by increasing muscle mass, whereas children improve strength by improving the efficiency of their muscle firing patterns.

Is strength training important?

Strength training can be helpful for many reasons including improving strength, improving performance, and setting a life-long pattern of healthy exercise. Even though it may be safe for children to work on their strength, at younger ages it may not be necessary. However, it should be noted that for children in their formative years, skill development is probably a more important goal. Also, a complete, healthy exercise regimen includes strength training and aerobic conditioning. Even more important, of course, is that we teach our children to love their sport and to enjoy and value physical exercise for the long term. As we age keeping up your strength is equally or even more important.  Keeping your body functioning at it’s optimum level is not just for looks, it can be the difference to keeping your balance, your independence and prevent falls or injuries from occurring that can lead to more serious issues. It’s never too late to start a strength training program just come into our practice and book an appointment with one of our friendly physiotherapists.

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