There was an interesting article in the latest Feb 9 issue of Newsweek about this subject in their Periscope segment. Old conventional wisdom was pre-teen weight lifting could do harm to a child’s growth plates. Recently new studies have shown that when done in moderation anaerobic exercise can increase bone density and reduce the risk of diabetes. I think the key here is the word moderation. With young athletes there is a right and wrong way to train. I think it would be better to stress a high rep/moderate weight work out if you are going to add an anaerobic element to your young athletes training plan. The article goes on to say how the National School Fitness Foundation is beginning to place child-size weight machines in elementary schools.
Mark Stanley
Junior Viking Wrestling
