Strength Training for the Young Athlete

Young, Warren K. MD
Metzl, Jordan D. MD

Warren K. Young, MD, is Pediatric Resident, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York. Jordan D. Metzl, MD, is Co-founder, Sports Medicine Institute for Young Athletes, Sports Medicine Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical Center.Dr. Young and Dr. Metzl have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.Address correspondence to: Warren K. Young, Department of Pediatrics, 525 East 68th St., New York, NY 10021; or e-mail [email protected]

Pediatric Annals 39(5):p 293-299, 2010. | DOI: 10.3928/00904481-20100422-10

Adam is a 13-year-old boy who comes into the office with his mother for his preparticipation physical exam. He mentions that he wants to join the football team this year and is interested in lifting weights so he can be “as big as the other kids.” His mother is hesitant to allow this because she has heard that it will adversely affect his growth. The parents want to know if it is safe for him to lift weights and if doing so will help him achieve his goals.