What is the right age for my child/young athlete to start training?

A question I often get asked by parents is "when is the right age for my kid or young athlete to start training?". The answer is that there is no right age. Every kid is different. I look for 3 things when working with a young athlete and ask 3 questions. One, is that kid mature enough to be able to train? Two, is that kid athletic enough to train? Three, does this kid really want to do this or is it just the parents that want them to do this? I have had kids at just 7 years old who I have trained and are ready for it. I have had them also at 10 when it was just too much for them and they weren't ready. Athletic ability is probably the least of the 3 questions that I ask that factor in. If they are really young it factors in more but if they are in middle school athleticism really doesn't matter and any kid can benefit and gain value from training. 

Then there is always the old myth that strength training will stunt a child's growth which has been debunked. Strength training 2 to 3 times a week (which is what I recommend for young athletes) will not stunt a child's growth. 

Training for kids and young athletes does more than just help them in their sport performance.

If I had to pick the best age though to start training, it would be in middle school. A kid can start training before that, and I have trained numerous kids younger than that with great success but middle school I feel is probably the best age to start. This is when a child is usually really growing and developing and it is a great time to take advantage of that and lay that foundation for athletic development. Every kid develops at a different rate, and some are bigger, some are stronger and some are faster, but all kids can benefit from training.

At a young age a child is still developing their fine motor skills, their muscular coordination and stability and learning how to control and move their bodies. Building that foundation at a young age and teaching proper movement and developing all their athletic skills is important. It lays the foundation for all athletic potential yet to come and helps them maximize their athletic ability and even enhance it. 

It does more though than just develop a young athlete's body. It helps to provide confidence, develop healthy habits at an early age and can help also develop life skills.

I always tell parents that if a kid gives me 3 things I guarantee I will make them better and increase their sports performance. If they can give me consistency, effort and coachability they all get better. It is just a matter of time and putting in the work. 

If you are interested or thinking about getting your child (even if they don't play sports) or young athlete started training email Dan@eidensfitness.com or call 702-521-6012