UNDERSTANDING RESISTANCE TRAINING SKILL LITERACY

Why have kids in the gym?

In previous articles, we have reviewed physical literacy. The idea of physical literacy is that physical activity may be used to build competence and confidence in a variety of movements. By freely engaging in physical activity, one may also grow their motivation to integrate physical activity into more areas of their life. For kids, becoming physically literate may set them up for a lifetime of being good movers, which they may miss out on if sedentary.

So, while physical literacy covers a diverse spread of skill sets in a variety of environments, it is worth asking, “Is there a specific benefit to having youth in gyms and weight rooms?”. The short answer is, yes. The reason is that performing resistance training movements can grow one’s understanding of how to use their muscles and move their body. This skill is called resistance training skill literacy (RTSL).

What is resistance training skill literacy, and how is it unique in relation to physical literacy?

Rather than primarily focusing on competence, confidence, and motivation to be physically active (which is the scope of physical literacy), RTSL prioritizes understanding of specific movements that are foundational to strength and muscular development. 

Common sense would tell most people that strength and muscular development are good for youth; however, there are still many misconceptions about whether or not youth should strength train. Fears mostly come from doing too much too soon, which is understandable when thinking of parents worrying for their kids. RTSL addresses these concerns in that the goal is to grow an understanding of weight training movements rather than who can lift the most weight. This shift in focus allows individuals to progress at an appropriate rate relative to their individual development. In addition, core concepts that are crucial to higher-level weight training may be taught at these beginning stages. The benefit of introducing these earlier is that they then have more potential to exercise them throughout their life and continue further down the RTSL spectrum. 

How can it be taught?

Teaching RTSL should start with broad strength training concepts that are applied to basic resistance training movements. These concepts include postural strength, stance and grip, dynamic movement, range of motion, tempo and pacing, and breathing. By performing movements like squats, hinges, presses, sprints, carries, and pulls, one can develop an understanding of those core concepts, which will appropriately progress their ability to handle the load in the types of movement previously listed. 

A qualified coach/instructor is also crucial to this process. They can make all the difference by introducing the concepts in a fun and digestible way while also selecting the appropriate exercises and progressions to develop people individually. 

How to get started?

If your children are ages 18 months to approximately 5 or 6 years, becoming a physical literacy savant is plenty. This stage is crucial to foster the child’s creativity and encouraging them to be confident and robust movers that are autonomous in challenging their motor skills. From 7 years to the onset of adolescence, RSTL is a great addition to the physically literate child. There is still a priority to foster fun and creativity at this age; however being that they are competent and confident movers, resistance training moments may be used to introduce core concepts for strength.

At Pittsburgh Fitness Project, we offer instruction for all levels to begin their physical literacy journey. Our physical literacy class is for ages 18 months through 6 years and aims to use fun games and activities to get little ones thinking about how they move and challenge their movement capacities. Our youth and teen barbell programs are instructed by coaches that work to progress young athletes down the RTSL continuum and are great supplements to any youth sport or even just adolescent development.

Check out our physical literacy, youth weightlifting, and teen weightlifting programs!

Additional Resources:

Avery D. Faigenbaum & James E. McFarland Jr. (2023) Developing Resistance Training Skill Literacy in Youth, Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 94:2, 5-10, DOI: 10.1080/07303084.2022.2146610