Is Weight Training Safe For Sportsmen

I am a regular visitor to weight training section on Yahoo answers and I find that most of information out there is quite helpful. I was recently looking at some of the questions posted there. There was this question from a 13 year old body who was getting trained as basketball player and wanted to know if weight trianing is safe for him. His main concern was if weight training at his age will affect his basketball performance in an adverse manner. Surprisingly, most of the answers out there elevated his concerns. Things like, "you are too young", "wait till you are sixteen", "bodybuilding will reduce your muscle flexibility" came up as answers. Most people suggested him to avoid weights altogether and focus on using body weight. Most people suggested for exercises like push ups, pull ups, chin ups since they use only body weight. It brought forward a very common debate "Is weight training safe for kids who aspire to be sportsmen?".

This question has boggled a lot of coaches and parents of young aspiring players. The question arises for all those who are not into professional bodybuilding but other sports like Watersports, Skiing, Basketball, Hiking, Biking, Hunting, Camping, Soccer even Golf!. They are not sure if weight training is safe and lifting weight at an early age can cause injuries. A lot of people are also worried that engaging in weight training at a younger age hinders growth. However, research and studies dismiss such concerns. Research is in support of weight training for young sportsmen. (More information On weight training programs)

Young athletes should do weight trianing under proper guidance using light or moderate weights. Use of correct technique and proper guidance is a must. Weight training can signifantly help in growth of bones. It induces manufacture of protein which are mineralized as calcium, increasing strength and rigidity of bones. This is against the common concern that weight training damages the plates where your bones are still growing and developing.

The key point to note here for is that weight training with your own body weight may be unsafe for your muscles, joints and developing bones because many youngsters find it difficult to handle their own weight. They will find lighter weights more comfortable and can do it with proper technique. This helps them get their bodies accustomed from a younger age and give them the time to adapt to heavier weights at a later stage. Besides positive effect on developing bones, it will also help them gain muscle, improve muscle strength and develop self esteem and confidence.

Individuals who are relatively new to sport and not highly trained benefit the most from weight training especially young athletes. Trained athletes who already posses a great deal of sport specific strength, weight training does not further enduces strength. At the highest level of competitions, increases in strength and power are not as critical as the development of correct technique. For elite sportsmen, the concept of specificity of training and the principles of conditioning still apply. But building up a strong strength and fitness base right from a younger age goes a long way in a successful career in sports.

Use the following link for more information on weight training or building muscle