When Should Gymnasts Start Strength Training
Not only should a gymnast be flexible, but strong too. Strength plays a key role in each event from the floor routine to the bars to the pommel horse. However, when it comes to young gymnasts who are not fully grown yet, where does strength training come into play? Young gymnasts will not be at their peak strength until during their teenage years, but meanwhile, they can still focus on maintaining the flexibility that they will need for future competitions. Because their bones are not yet fully formed, gymnasts pre-puberty should not be doing any sort of strength training that involves lifting weights and excessive amounts of repetitions.
Rather than hitting the gym to lift weights, young gymnasts can participate in strength conditioning exercises such as yoga and Pilates. Not only will these positions help your child gain strength and balance, but help to maintain their flexibility for years to come. As a gymnast grows and by the time they hit puberty, they will be able to participate in more intense strength training exercises such as push-ups, V-ups, and lifts with weight machines to build muscle.
Of course, each gymnast’s body is different and so they might not be able to begin strength training at the same time as their other teammates. Females tend to reach puberty before males so they may be able to train with weights before others. Some gymnasts may be naturally stronger than their teammates and could find the training much easier than those whose muscles have not quite developed yet. At the gym, a gymnast will need different clothing such as shorts, a t-shirt, and a well-fitted pair of shoes in addition to their workout leotards. Not sure how many repetitions or exercises are right for you? Ask your gymnastics coach at your next practice for some tips if you have not yet begun conditioning as a team.
