Keep kids injury-free with strength training

NBC News Today Show—August 27, 2012

Every year there are more than 3.5 million sports-related injuries for kids up to the age of 15. Sports medicine physician Dr. Jordan Metzl, of Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, shows off a few moves you can teach your kids to help them build strength and bone density, and reduce injuries.

Natalie Morales: Sports medicine expert Jordan Metzl and the American Academy of Pediatrics have developed a new DVD workout. It's called Home Base Strength Training for Young Athletes. Dr. Metzl, good to have you back.

Jordan Metzl: Good to be here.

NM: Johnson and Johnson did a survey that shows 1 out of every 3 young athletes actually gets injured. So this is a workout you say can help prevent some of these injuries.

JM: That's right Natalie, The American Academy of Pediatrics came out with a position statement several years ago saying strength training for kids is a great idea. The problem is most parents have no idea where to go or how to do it. We know strength training makes healthy bones and stronger muscles. The idea for this program is for parents to train and to train with their kids at home.

NM: I think a lot of parents are concerned that strength training too young can stunt their growth, that they could in fact injure themselves. You say that's not true.

JM: In fact, the opposite is true. Strength training makes your body healthier and we can start it in kids ages eight to preadolescence. I want parents to actively be involved in strength training with their kids.

NM: This should be a family activity right, you should be monitoring them as they do it too?

MJ: Doing it with them--is even better.

View the full segment of Dr. Metzl’s demonstration with young athletes at nbcnews.com.