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First All-Conference Team
"We appreciate your time with Joelle and Nathan. We're positive they benefited greatly from your program. Joelle came back strong after surgery and made two First All-Conference teams, and Nathan made one First Team!"
Lisa Noeldner
Most Improved Player
"Brad thinks the world of you and everything you did for him. Not only did he get the Most Improved Player Award, he was selected First Team All-Conference! I'm so proud of how he took your training to heart to make him self better."
Rick Walker
What a Find!
"We were looking for something different than the annual basketball camps for our son. Boy did we find it! He never complained after a session. In fact, the harder you pushed him and the more exhausted he came home, the more he liked it. As a parent we could see the changes not only to his body, but with his mind. As the weeks went on, he not only gained strength but more importantly, he gained confidence! Thanks to you and your great staff, he is enjoying a sport he wasn't sure he wanted to go out for this year. THANK YOU!"
Bruce O
Humble Bonus
"When my son is my training partner, I get a double bonus. It's also a humbling experience."
John N
Family Discount
Save 15% when you train with a family member. Applies to 12 or 20 pack. View more discounts.
Momentum Sport Fitness, LLC
2615 London Rd / Suite B
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Phone: (715) 955-4319
Send us an email
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How Old Is Too Young?
 Parents frequently ask if their fifth, sixth, or seventh grader can begin a strength and conditioning program. My first thought is usually "just let them play" for fear of training burn out. However, with the increasing level of kids' participation in sports and related injuries, there is good reason for kids to develop proper exercise mechanics. In today's world of childhood obesity and inactivity, building positive fitness attitudes and habits are critical for a fit lifestyle.
There is no magic age for beginning a training program. However, factors including emotional and physical maturity, interest, the risk of overuse injuries and burnout, frustration, level of instruction, and supervision must be considered. Many kids, parents, and youth coaches try to mimic what they see older, more mature athletes do, which is often unsafe and too advanced for pre-adolescents. I've worked with many young athletes who came home from a one-week summer camp with a college or pro-level training program inappropriate for their ability.
Teaching basics of running and jumping, agility drills, and strength training can be both safe and productive. Keeping it brief, fun, educational, challenging, and successful should be priorities.
Several factors should be considered when designing a program for pre-pubescent and young adolescents, including vulnerability of skeletal growth plates and connective tissues, and attitude and motivation. (We need to ask: who wants this more, the child or the parent?)
Youth training programs should avoid the following:
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- Excessive loads, intensities, or volumes. (NEVER "Max Out")
- Training with older kids or adults where intensities, pace, goals, and expectations are higher.
- High stress angles or pressure on wrists, ankles, knees, hips, and back.
- Extreme explosive movements.
- High vertical plyometrics (box jumps, etc.). Stick to simple skipping and hopping drills.
- Forced repetitions. (training to muscular fatigue)
- Complicated, high-level programs or equipment.
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Youth training programs should emphasize the following:
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- The big picture - teach that quick fixes and short cuts are unhealthy and do not work. Lasting fitness and real training require time, consistency, and patience.
- Fun fitness drills and turning exercises into games when possible.
- Variety. (equipment, exercises, pace, etc.)
- Professional, well-trained instruction and supervision.
- Low to moderate intensities, brief (30-40 min), fast-paced sessions.
- Emphasis on education, safety, and enthusiasm for fitness.
- Appropriate goals and opportunities for success.
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