Which guideline is essential for resistance training in children and adolescents?

For children and adolescents, it is critical that resistance training activities are appropriate for their developmental stage and varied to keep them engaged and motivated. This ensures that training is not only safe but also enhances their overall physical literacy. Varied activities can include body-weight exercises, light resistance bands, and age-appropriate weights, all tailored to promote proper technique and enjoyment while reducing the risk of injury.

Emphasizing diversity in exercise routines helps to develop a wide range of physical skills, such as coordination, balance, and strength, which are essential for the growth and development of young participants. The focus should be on creating a positive experience around fitness rather than pushing for heavy lifting or repetitive use of machines, which could lead to discouragement or injury at a young age. Thus, ensuring that activities are appropriate and varied is vital to fostering a lifelong interest in fitness and health.