When it comes to training youth athletes, the right environment is essential for their growth, safety, and long-term development. A gym designed for adults often misses the mark when it comes to the unique needs of young athletes. If you’re looking to help your child develop their athletic potential, here are four signs that a facility might not be equipped to coach kids effectively.
1. No Lightweight Technique Bars
One of the first things to look for is the type of barbells available. If the gym only has full-sized 20kg barbells that’s 2.2 metres long, it’s a red flag! Think about it – if your child only weighs 40kg and is 135 cm tall, then a full size bar is already 50% of their bodyweight and 1.6 x their height! That’s a very awkward object to start with as a beginner!
Youth athletes need technique bars that are shorter and lighter, typically ranging from 5kg to 15kg. These bars allow for proper form and technique development without overloading the body with excessive load. Forcing a child to use a full-sized barbell can increase the risk of injury and limit their progress. A facility that doesn’t provide kid-friendly bars isn’t thinking about progression and safety for youth athletes.
2. No Lighter Fractional Weight Plates
Another key sign is the absence of smaller, lightweight fractional plates. If the smallest weight plate gym stocks is 2.5kg, that means the smallest increase in weight your child can make is 5kg! Again, for a 40kg child that’s more than 10% of their bodyweight in one hit! It becomes difficult to make small, progressive load increases, which are crucial for young athletes learning strength training. Gyms that are prepared to work with youth athletes should have plates as light as 0.5kg, 1kg, or 1.5kg to allow gradual improvements in strength and technique without overwhelming a youth athlete’s capacity. Without these, progressions become too aggressive and risky.
3. No Soft Resistance Equipment (Sandbags, Slam Balls or Padded Plyo Boxes)
Youth athlete’s bodies aren’t just smaller—they also require varied, adaptable training tools. If a gym doesn’t offer soft resistance equipment like sandbags, slam balls, or padded plyo boxes, it’s another indication they’re not set up to handle youth development. These tools are perfect for improving power, coordination, and strength in a safe way. Unlike heavy dumbbells or kettlebells, soft equipment minimizes injury risk, allowing kids to explore dynamic movements that build athleticism.
4. No Kid-Sized Benches or Boxes
Using adult-sized equipment can put youth athletes in awkward, unsafe positions, like feet dangling above the ground during a bench press! Benches, boxes, and other equipment that are too tall or large for kids force them into unnatural positions, which can lead to poor form and even injury over time. A gym that’s equipped to coach kids should have adjustable or child-sized benches and boxes to ensure proper biomechanics and movement quality. If everything in the facility is esigned for adults, it shows that youth athletes aren’t their focus.
In conclusion, not every gym facility is equipped to coach kids safely and effectively. If you spot any of these signs, it may be a red flag that the gym isn’t prepared to meet the unique needs of youth athletes. Finding a gym that understands the requirements for training young athletes will set your child up for success, safety, and long-term athletic development.
Rob Anderson
Founder of The Athlete Academy
UKSCA Youth S&C Coach of the Year
