Strength training for Kids: Reframing the question! →

“What’s the right age for them to start?”
Or… “Isn’t it too dangerous for young kids to lift weights?”

These are common and valid questions—but they often come from a narrow view of what strength training actually is.

Strength training ≠ with barbells and dumbbells.
Strength training = controlled, competent movement.

The real question should be:
“Have they developed the movement literacy to begin strength training?”

Just like kids learn the alphabet before forming words and sentences, they need to learn how to move before we talk about loading those movements.

Before weights, it’s:
- Control in a variety of movements like a squad
- Bracing the trunk
- Crawling, jumping, landing and balancing


Once those foundational skills are more competent, external resistance can be layered gradually and safely.

So instead of debating the “right age,” let’s shift the narrative:

- Teach movement first.

- Build confidence.

- Then progress when ready, not by age, but by ability.