Build a stronger, more durable young athlete

Children can start structured strength work once they can follow instruction and hold a position under supervision, often from around seven or eight with bodyweight movements. External load is introduced later, based on technique and training experience rather than birthday. Younger children focus on coordination, hopping, landing and general movement skill, which builds the base that heavier training later relies on. [CONFIRM: minimum age accepted in the OnePointHealth youth program]

No. Supervised resistance training with appropriate technique and load has not been shown to damage growth plates or reduce adult height. That concern came from older reports of injuries during unsupervised maximal lifting, usually with poor technique. In practice, growth plate injuries in young people are far more likely to come from a fall or a collision during sport than from a coached strength session.

An exercise physiologist is a university-qualified allied health professional, so they can work with growing bodies, current injuries and medical conditions. Sessions are assessment-led, documented and adjusted around club training and competition. Programs can also be claimed through private health extras or a Medicare care plan where your child is eligible, which is not available for personal training.

Often yes, with changes. Osgood-Schlatter at the knee and Sever’s at the heel are common during rapid growth and usually settle as growth slows. Instead of stopping everything, your exercise physiologist reduces jumping and sprinting volume, keeps strength work going in pain-free ranges, and rebuilds impact tolerance in stages. Complete rest tends to leave young athletes weaker when they return.

Yes, and that is the most common starting point. Programs begin with bodyweight movements and technique, not loaded lifts. Your exercise physiologist teaches each movement pattern first and only adds resistance once it is performed well, so a complete beginner is not at a disadvantage and does not need any preparation before their first session.

Not if it is planned properly, and the whole point is that it is. Your exercise physiologist maps your child’s full week first, including club training, school sport and games, then fits strength work around it, often replacing junk volume rather than stacking on top. During heavy competition periods the program shrinks deliberately. Total load is managed as one number across everything, not sport plus extras.