To take it a step further, it provides a compounding physical and mental return, unlike anything else they can do. Second place isn’t close.
“Contrary to popular belief (still in 2024 — bonkers) youth strength training will not stunt their growth.
Not only is it nearly unquantifiably safer than any sport or physical activity they can participate in, there is no greater asset to their mental & physical development.”
-Ray Zingler on X
I could sit here and talk about the science. I could post all the data (it’s abundant).
I could talk about the injury occurrence rates in traditional sports like football, baseball, and basketball (high) vs. the injury occurrence rates in strength training (essentially negligent).
And I could even talk about how sprinting, because of the force generated by each stride, is technically more dangerous than lifting weights.
But what does that do?
Discourage others from playing sports or sprinting? That’s not my objective.
Despite having all the information to be able to prove a point and “be right”, that isn’t even my desire, either.
I don’t care about “being right”, my desire is to make a difference.
And while my perceptions are my perceptions and your perceptions are your perceptions, it’s important to note that perceptions aren’t reality.
Reality is reality.
And if we don’t challenge our perceptions and biases, we put self-imposed sanctions on our ability to grow.
And this is common practice for many because the threat of challenging ones belief system is often too big of a potential offense to their pride and ego.
Therefore many people stay stuck in their own way.
But if this isn’t you, I’d invite you to keep reading.
At Year 14 in the Youth Strength/Performance business, I have heard it all.
1,000 times.
Everything from growth plates, to Osgood-schlatters, to creatine, to even, “I don’t want him to train his arms or legs because I don’t want his limbs to be short because he would look awkward..”
I get it and I respect it because many people just genuinely don’t know.
This is why I’ve devoted my life to breaking the very barriers (flawed perceptions) that hold the keys to our youth’s performance potential.
Strength training for youth athletes isn’t what you think it is.
It’s not heavy weights, stunted growth, or back pain.
More than anything its benefits are mental as the endorphin release associated with training in any capacity builds confidence and self-image.
And the physical benefits? Well, those will speak for themselves if we’ll let them.
Teach them right, prioritize safety, and play the long game.
If you do, you’ll not find an activity on earth that yields more compounding ROI (for life) than strength training.
