The Right Strength

Many young athletes envision being as strong as a famous athlete or body builders, yet they fail to realize the strength they need now is different from the strength they need for later. What is the purpose of the strength? Most youth athletes need strength to move the body’s weight in a specific direction. This is why it makes sense to master bodyweight exercises first before adding any resistance to the movement. Learning how to properly deliver signals from the brain to the muscle will improve strength at a rapid rate and help you avoid injuries. Learn the movement right the first time and you will not have to worry about injuries later. A fitness professional who knows how to coach youth movement to increase strength becomes critical. And remember that the length of an athlete’s limbs or structure also affects how strength is perceived. A tallerathlete has to do more work because of the distance that is traveled to do the same amount of work. For instance, it takes more work for a taller athlete to perform a bodyweight squat than a short athlete because they need to bend down farther to reach the same position. In the dictionary, strong is defined as “having or marked by great physical power.” The plan that has been most effective in increasing the strength of our youth athletes is to master bodyweight exercises, gradually increase resistance, and document the gains of each athlete.

Lower Body Strength Exercises
* Bodyweight Squat – Beginner
* Sandbag Box Squat – Intermediate
* Sandbag Free Squat – Intermediate
* Box Squat – Advanced
* Front Squat – Advanced
* Medicine Ball Squat – Intermediate
* Wall Squat – Beginner
* Rack Dead-lift – Advanced
* Kettlebell Dead-lift – Intermediate
* Weight Plate Dead-lift – Intermediate
* Sled Drag Backward & Forward – Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
* Growler – Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
* Tire Flip – Intermediate, Advanced