Coaches may ask young athletes to train in the off-season. Teenagers may want to “bulk up” as they enter high school or college. Parents may have their own ideas about their kids going to the gym. Holly J. Benjamin, a professor of orthopedic surgery and pediatrics and the director of primary-care sports medicine at the University of Chicago, helped write the American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy for strength training. Here she defines what strength training is and explains the risks and benefits for children and adolescents—and when it’s safe to add weights.

Source: Wall Street Journal May 26, 2019 12:00 UTC