Are you searching for ways to help your teen feel stronger, healthier, and more confident? Maybe you just want something to counteract all the screen time they are getting? Or, maybe you want something that helps them cope with the occasional mood swings and the pressure of this social media filled world. Look no further! Strength training might be just what they need. 💪

Seriously. Getting them to do something challenging in the right environment can help give them perspective and make alot of other things in life much easier. You might think of strength training as something only for bodybuilders or athletes, or maybe you think kids shouldn’t strength train. 

But it's actually beneficial for teens too. Here's why:

1. Building Strength: Strength training helps teens build muscle and become stronger. This not only helps them with everyday tasks but also boosts their self-esteem and confidence. According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, adolescents who participated in regular strength training showed significant improvements in muscular strength and endurance. [1]

2. Improving Bone Health: Did you know that strength training is good for bones? It helps make them stronger and healthier, which is important for preventing injuries and bone-related issues later in life. Research published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research suggests that strength training during adolescence can have a positive impact on bone mineral density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis in later years. [2]

3. Promoting Fitness and Activity: Strength training encourages teens to stay fit and active. When they're strong, they can enjoy a variety of activities without feeling tired or out of breath. Engaging in regular physical activity, including strength training, has been shown to improve overall mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression in adolescents. [3]

4. Counteracting Screen Time: In today's digital age, teens spend a lot of time on screens, which can have negative effects on their health. Strength training provides a valuable opportunity for teens to disconnect from screens and engage in physical activity that promotes overall well-being.

5. Boosting Confidence: Progress in strength training can give teens a confidence boost. Seeing improvements in their strength and physical abilities can make them feel more capable and confident in all aspects of life.

So, how can you support your teen in starting strength training? Encourage them to join a teen-friendly gym program like the one at BFP by going here bfpnc.com/youth-training , or grab some equipment at home, study up a bit, write a program, and do it with them! If you don’t have time for that, see the sentence just before the last one. 

[1] Reference: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Volume 32 - Issue 6, June 2018, Pages 1553-1562.

[2] Reference: Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, Volume 25, Issue 6, June 2010, Pages 1442-1448.

[3] Reference: Pediatrics, Volume 138, Issue 6, December 2016, e20161342.