MYTH 9 . Training teenagers is totally different to training adults
False . Teenagers , although it may not always seem like it , are still human ! There are some physical considerations and a few other things to factor in , such as consent from a parent or guardian , but the guidelines for training teens are almost identical to those for training a beginner adult .
Challenges may arise , such as difficulties with learning , vision , hearing , speech , motor skills and balance , which may require you to refer to a medical or allied health professional for guidance . Teenagers may also present with specific pathological conditions that require medical clearance , such as osgood schlatter disease ( pain and swelling below the knee experienced during growth spurts ).
However , for the most part , any other conditions you may come across will be the same as you find in adults . Common medical conditions , such as asthma , diabetes and obesity , require careful observation and exercise modifications on the part of the PT , regardless of the client ’ s age .
The key is to focus on technique and slow progression , which will help the adolescent build a strong foundation and ease the transition to a strong and healthy adulthood .
MYTH 10 . There are too many legal things to consider
Well , yes there are a few - but not too many to make it worth your while . This list outlines some of the major legal things to consider and will help you gain the confidence to start training teens . Access to gyms Check your local facilities for details about conditions of entry and minimum age for access . Insurance Ensure your insurance policy specifically covers training teenagers and young people . Risks and safety elements Consider the instructor-to-teenager ratio to ensure full supervision of all activities . For school groups , a teacher must be present at all times , in addition to the instructor . Reporting Any assessments or reports you make based on the adolescent must be collected and stored securely until the individual reaches the age of 25 . It is your responsibility to report any risk of harm , abuse or neglect to the necessary authorities .
Clearances Ensure you have the relevant clearance for your state in order to work with children , such as a Working with Children Check .
Teenagers should be participating in regular strength , stamina and suppleness activities for healthy mental and physical development . This is vital to creating lifelong positive health habits . It is up to us to help guide them . You might hate the way that teenagers talk , the way they cut their hair , or the way they drive their cars . What I hate , however , is that they don ’ t exercise enough . So , fitness professionals , let ’ s not drop the ball on this one , because what you won ’ t hate is training teens to become happier , healthier and stronger young people .
REFERENCES
RESISTANCE TRAINING FOR KIDS Right from the Start .” Faigenbaum et al , 2016 ; ACSM ’ s Health & Fitness Journal , vol . 20 , no . 5 , 2016 , pp . 16-22 5 ways to make sure you ’ re getting enough physical activity in your teens . ( 2018 , July 25 ). Queensland Health . Retrieved 06 28 , 2021
Christine Kusznir Christine is a Fitness Coach at the Australian Institute of Fitness in Adelaide . She is also a Les Mills Group Fitness Instructor , as well as a current secondary school science , maths and VET teacher . Christine is the creator of the CEC-accredited online Network course Training Teens .
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