Christine Webb, Your Health and Fitness

Kids are back to school now, and something new may be in your child's physical education class.

News 13's Christine Webb takes at look at how strength training could help improve your child's health. 

Strength training exercises that are supervised, safe and age-appropriate offer many bonuses to young athletes.

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Sports Medicine supports strength training for kids, if it is done properly.

Seventh graders at Pace Academy are just some of the students who have added strength training to their physical education class.

But strength  training should not be confused with weightlifting or bodybuilding.   

"Everything we do is high repetitions, very low weight, increasing the flexibility, muscle endurance. We certainly are not trying to increase muscle  mass at this age group by any means," said Kris Palmerton, the athletic director for Pace Academy.

Lifting heavy weights can result in injuries such as straining young muscles, tendons and growth plates. 

Experts believe middle school-aged students have the right skills and body development to follow a strength training program. 

But Pace said it is important to keep a close eye on the class to watch for mistakes. 
 
"That's the key, is learning how to use the machines properly, proper extension, contraction of the muscle," Pace said.
   
He said the proper training will help the students' performance in other  sports. 

Another benefit to think about -- the exercises can lead to  better heart and lung function, lower cholesterol, stronger bones and a fitness habit that could last well beyond 7th grade.   

Some studies suggest that improved self-esteem and a decreased chance of depression also are benefits of strength training.

To see more Health and Fitness stories, go to News 13 On Demand, Digital Cable Channel 313.

 
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