Weight training gaining popularity among children

• More kids 8 to 12 years of age are engaging in a new activity, pumping up.
• Strength training has gained so much in popularity that resistance equipment labeled "Just for Kids" is showing up in gyms across the country.
• In this Parenting Report, we'll tell you how to ensure a safe and effective training program for your child.
• Aaron Leibowitz-10 Year Old: "Be a baseball player and a famous pitcher."
• But when he advanced from recreational play to competitive leagues, his shoulder began to give him problems.
• His coach suggested he look into weight training not to pump up but to keep pain at bay.
• Laurie Leibowitz-Mom: "Its focus was on those muscles that he needs to strengthen so he won't get injured when he's doing his pitching."
• Experts caution about specializing in one sport early on.
• But if your child is passionate, our doctors say supervised weight resistance programs can be beneficial.
• Dr. Eric Small-Pediatrician: "The one group who would definitely benefit from weight training is the child athlete who is specializing or very good in one sport because we know those children develop over-use injuries or muscle imbalance.
• Then another group we would be looking at are children who are not athletes but sedentary or overweight, and weight training could be a way to improve self esteem and introduce them to sports."
• Weight resistance training is not about how much you can lift but repetitions to strengthen specific muscle areas.
• But injuries do occur during weight lifting, as many as 20,000 a year among young people, so consult with your pediatrician first.
• As for Aaron, he's pitching faster and pain free.
• If your child is weight training, doctors recommend they workout no more than three times a week.
• Find more helpful Parenting information by visiting Parenting Magazines website.