In this episode, I discuss the importance of exercise, specifically strength training, for kids. With growing concerns over childhood obesity, limited opportunities for physical activity in school, decreased outdoor playtime, and reduced sports participation, the lack of physical activity in children poses serious long-term risks to their physical and mental health. I address common myths and misconceptions about resistance training for kids and highlight the many cognitive, physical, and mental health benefits of regular physical activity.I also explain the three I’s—investigate, interpret, and intervene—for assessing and improving a child’s movement abilities, emphasizing the importance of fun, play-based experiences to develop a diverse range of movement skills. Additionally, I discuss the risks of early sports specialization, guidelines for safe weightlifting for kids, injury risks, and strategies to encourage physical activity. Whether or not a child aspires to be an athlete, this episode offers practical tips to foster long-term athletic development and ensure kids grow up strong, healthy, and active.Read the full episode show notes at performpodcast.com.Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform Timestamps00:00:00 Kids & Strength Training 00:03:26 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & LMNT00:06:10 Misconceptions, History, Kids & Resistance Training00:10:15 “Zombie” Myths about Kids & Exercise00:13:58 Kid-Centric Exercise & Movement Literacy; Strength & Coordination00:18:47 Movement vs Language Development Analogy00:22:52 Chronic Health Crisis in Kids, Sports, Downstream Adult Issues00:30:33 Physical, Cognitive & Mental Health Benefits of Strength Training for Kids00:36:53 Sponsor: AG100:38:18 Investigate: YFIT Test, FitBack Test00:42:41 Interpret: Baseline Test, Injury, Growth & Development, Specialization Ready?00:49:02 Intervene: Positive Experiences, Open Play, Schools & PE, Sports Variety00:53:13 Kid-Centric Programs, Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD), American Development Model01:00:40 Sponsor: Momentous01:02:21 LTAD Program Example, Strength Training01:09:08 Youth Movement Skills & Concepts, Games, Diversity, Range of Motion01:12:28 Basic Movement Skill Development Targets01:17:25 Example Program for 7-Year Old, Basic Movement Skill Development01:22:16 Plyometrics & Kids01:23:26 10 Rules of Lifting Weights for Kids01:29:22 Guidelines for Youth Athletes, Injury, Play, Sport Diversity & Breaks, Specialization01:33:18 Early Specialization & Problems01:36:35 Encouraging Physical Activity in Kids01:41:47 Additional Resources, Books, Courses & Organizations01:44:49 Summary & Key Takeaways01:48:35 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform NewsletterDisclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices