QWA FACT SHEETS
Parents Fact Sheet
Weightlifting is a sport which provides opportunities for athletes to compete at
all levels from local to International. Weightlifting is an Olympic Games and
Commonwealth Games sport in which athletes perform two lifts – the Snatch and
the Clean & Jerk. Weightlifting training develops strength, speed, power,
flexibility, coordination and Balance.
Is it Safe for Children?
With correct coaching, proper equipment, and realistic expectations, strength
training and weightlifting programs designed for children and adolescents are
safe and beneficial. Unfortunately there are still many myths which cause
concern for parents about the safety of children training with weights for both
competitive sport and general fitness purposes. Parents with these concerns can
be reassured that strength training and weightlifting can help improve
children’s overall health, physical development and sense of psychosocial
well-being. A properly designed and supervised strength training and
weightlifting program can provide a safe and effective way for children to
obtain the following benefits:
-
Improved muscle tone
- Improved joint flexibility
- Better motor skills
- Increased strength, power & speed
- Improved body composition
- Better cardio respiratory function
- Improved overall sports performance
- Greater confidence and self esteem
How Much? How Soon?
The development of muscle in children is related to age, body size, previous
levels of physical activity and various phases of growth. Many years ago it was
recommended that children and adolescents should avoid weightlifting, because it
was thought to expose them to a greater risk of musculoskeletal injuries. But a
retrospective review of injuries associated with weightlifting in preadolescents
and adolescents found that weightlifting is safer than many other sports.
To perform the complex multi joint movements involved in weightlifting, children
must first undergo a phase of gradual learning. Beginners must successfully
master the introductory exercise techniques using very light weights and only
increase those weights under strict, qualified coaching supervision and
according to the rate of their skill development. It’s this gradual process of
learning weightlifting technique and progressive conditioning that protects
children from “overdoing it”.
Where is Weightlifting - how do I get involved?
Find a Club
Contact the Queensland Weightlifting
Association