Summary

Original source:
http://www.azcentral.com/health/kids/articles/0125ob25exercise.html

Details

• Overweight children may be incapable of running laps, jumping rope or playing soccer.
• But they probably will shine at an activity previously thought to be inappropriate, even dangerous, for kids - strength training.
• "You can't put these kids on a treadmill for 30 minutes and have them huffing and puffing and sweating," said Debi Pillarella, the 2004 fitness director of the year for the American Council on Exercise.
• They are stronger than and can outlift any of their lesser counterparts.
• The 17-year-old Phoenix boy started weight training in October at the Lincoln Family Phoenix Downtown YMCA.
• He lifts weights four days a week after school under the supervision of J.R. Nelson, his physical education teacher at Genesis Academy.
• "When I checked my weight on the scale, and I reached the high point, I was just thinking, 'No more,' " said Esteban, who weighs 350 pounds.
• The teen said his upper body is gaining muscle, his stamina is improved and he likes the slimmer face that looks back at him in the mirror.
• Free weights, body weight, machines and devices such as elastic bands and medicine balls provide the resistance.
• Exercises include push-ups and pull-ups, biceps curls and leg extensions.
• Two long-held misconceptions about strength training are that it may stunt a child's growth and that it should be prohibited in kids 11 and younger.
• The benefits include improvements in muscular fitness, strength of bones, body composition, motor fitness performance and injury resistance.
• It also may enhance self-esteem, mental discipline and the socialization of participants, both boys and girls.
• During an eight-week strength-training class, the average youth adds 3 pounds of muscle, which equates to about 105 additional calories burned daily, said Westcott.

Related Articles

Popular Topics: Strength training, Overweight, Fitness, Diabetes, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Heart disease, Depression, High cholesterol, Osteoporosis, Vaccines, Autism, ADHD, Infertility, Weight loss, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Trans fats, Acrylamides, Fluoride, Mercury	Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com Email this article to a friend Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/004075_strength_training_overweight_fitness.html Reprinting this article: Non-commercial use OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link. <a href = "http://www.NaturalNews.com/004075_strength_training_overweight_fitness.html">Strength training can make overweight kids physically fit</a>
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber! Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more. Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.	Your Email Address: Free Subscription Code: Enter the numbers you see: 100% free of charge. Unsubscribe anytime. Absolutely no spam. We respect your email privacy.
Recommended Special Report: Seven Words that can Change the World by Joseph R. Simonetta Read this special report now... "Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com	More on NaturalNews.com: • Streaming Health Ranger Videos • CounterThink Cartoons • FREE Special Reports • Podcasts