I often hear from parents of young athletes, “I don’t think I want my kid weight training, it’s just too early and not safe.” The reality of it is, however, quite the opposite. If anything, we are not starting them early enough and preparing them for the sudden strength training demands of high school athletics. With the focus being on technique and movement patterns rather than weight, young athletes will be well prepared for the demands to come at the high school level. Shane Nelson, who earned a masters degree in sports science and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist at the high school level, explains why it is so important to start kids early with weight training. Enjoy and stay active!!