Personalized Power: A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist's Perspective on Strength Training for Youth Athletes
By: Dr. Chad Crafts, DPT, MS, CSCS, PES, CES
As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Exercise Physiologist, I've had the privilege of working closely with youth, collegiate, and professional athletes, witnessing first hand the transformative power of strength training in their athletic journeys. In this blog post, I want to share my personalized perspective on the benefits of strength training for young athletes.
1. Specified Training Programs:
Every young athlete is unique, with different strengths, weaknesses, and goals. By conducting comprehensive assessments and understanding each athlete's individual needs, I can develop customized strength training programs that address specific areas for improvement while capitalizing on their strengths. This personalized approach ensures that athletes make optimal progress while minimizing the risk of injury following a periodization model for optimal performance.
2. Building a Foundation for Success:
Youth athletes are at a critical stage of physical development, making it the perfect time to lay a solid foundation for future success. Strength training plays a crucial role in this process by enhancing overall athleticism, improving movement mechanics, and developing functional strength. Through a combination of compound lifts, plyometrics, and agility drills, young athletes can improve their performance in their respective sports while reducing the risk of injury.
3. Empowering Athletes Through Education:
As a DPT, exercise physiologist and CSCS, I believe in empowering athletes through education and demonstration. In addition to designing and implementing training programs, I take the time to educate young athletes about the principles of strength training, proper exercise technique, and the importance of nutrition and recovery. By understanding the "why" behind their training, athletes become more engaged and motivated, taking ownership of their development both on and off the field.
4. Fostering Long-Term Health and Wellness:
While the immediate focus may be on improving athletic performance, the benefits of strength training extend far beyond the playing field. By instilling healthy habits early on, such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest, youth athletes are better equipped to lead active and fulfilling lives well into adulthood. Strength training not only builds strong muscles but also promotes healthy bones, improves metabolic health, and enhances mental well-being.
5. Building Confidence and Resilience:
Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of working with young athletes is witnessing the transformation in their confidence and resilience. Strength training challenges young athletes both physically and mentally, pushing them out of their comfort zones and teaching them to overcome obstacles. As they see improvements in their strength, speed, and overall performance, athletes gain confidence in their abilities, translating into greater resilience on the field and in life.
In conclusion, strength training, under the guidance of a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Doctor of Physical Therapy, offers a multitude of benefits for young athletes, including personalized training programs, a foundation for success, education, long-term health and wellness, confidence and resilience, and lifelong habits. By investing in strength training during adolescence, young athletes can unlock their full potential and lay the groundwork for a lifetime of athletic achievement and well-being.
Join us at Edge Physical Therapy for our Teens and Youth Athlete Strength Program Starting July 8th
This will be a 6 week program with 18 total classes for the Teens (ages 13-18) and 12 total classes for the Youth (ages 9-12). Your child will gain confidence, strength, and agility while improving performance for their sport and reducing their risk for injury. Visit our events page for more details and to sign up.
