NEWS
RELEASE
June 1, 2005
For immediate release
OBESE CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM RESISTANCE
TRAINING
Strength, body composition significantly improved in new
study
NASHVILLE, Tenn.– - A supervised, progressive resistance training
program significantly increased strength and resulted in favorable
body
composition changes in overweight and obese children. Results add to
the
support of resistance training programs for youth, which can be part
of
a comprehensive health-enhancement strategy for all boys and girls,
including
those with a disinterest in physical activity. The study was presented
today at the 52nd American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual
Meeting
in Nashville, Tenn.
With the dramatic increase in childhood obesity and inactivity in
the
past decade, this study was designed to determine the value of
resistance
training programs for a group of obese children, particularly its
effect
on strength and body composition.
“Parents and coaches who are concerned about the safety of
resistance
training for kids, and even young athletes, should know that it is a
safe
and effective activity for this age group, provided it is well
designed
and supervised,” said Chris M. Holian, lead author of the study.
“For some, this type of training for kids is a question. Should
they or shouldn’t they? There’s no doubt resistance training
offers great benefits for kids when performed correctly. But, no
competitive
or maximal weightlifting and powerlifting for kids.”
A small group of young children between the ages of 7 and 11 was
randomly
selected to participate in a 10-week (3 times/wk) program or in a
control
(no training) program. Each child possessed a Body Mass Index higher
than
the 95 percentile for age and gender.
Strength was examined in a one-repetition series for the leg press,
leg
curl, chest press, overhead press, biceps curl, front pulldown, and
seated
rows. Changes in body composition were measured by total body scans.
As
expected, the resistance training group showed significant increases
in
strength throughout the series of weight exercises. Additionally,
those
in the program gained more lean muscle.
“Kids can start with some basic resistance training concepts that
don’t require expensive equipment or a gym membership,” said
Holian. “For example, using the body’s own resistance to do
sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups and other exercises is a good way to
start.
Kids who really want to try a program should find a trainer to help
them
design a well-rounded program, which should include other activities
besides
resistance training, like running, walking or cycling.”
ACSM-certified Health/Fitness Instructors® can advise parents and
coaches on the proper technique for kids using weights. ACSM’s
ProFinder,
online at www.acsm.org, is a free service to find ACSM-certified
trainers
in your area.
ACSM's 52nd Annual Meeting is going on now at the Gaylord Opryland
Resort
and Convention Center. For more information on the event, or to speak
with ACSM Communications and Public Information staff, please call
(615)
458-0996.
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports
medicine
and exercise science organization in the world. More than 20,000
international,
national, and regional members are dedicated to promoting and
integrating
scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports
medicine
and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance,
fitness,
health, and quality of life.
-30-
NOTE: The conclusions outlined in this news release are those
of
the researchers only, and should not be construed as an official
statement
of the American College of Sports Medicine.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: ACSM’s 52nd Annual Meeting takes place
June 1-4, 2005. After June 6, please call the ACSM Communications and
Public Information office at (317) 637-9200 ext. 117 or 127.
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