Growing young talent is a delicate and risky challenge. Strength training for young athletes must be approached with caution. Parents often push their children who play on sports-specific travel squads toward weight training or, for some, personal trainers. But, what works best and what method is safest? Because the legs are the foundation for almost every outstanding performance, the focus should be on building leg strength, speed, agility and coordination in a youngster whose muscles and body are still developing.

Unfortunately, there has been no one approach that has proven effective and safe. For many years young athletes have looked for a simple way to build leg strength and speed by using ankle weights, resistance bands or weighted vests and time spent in the weight room with barbells and dumbbells. These solutions are cumbersome and often harmful.

A popular misconception has been that more is better. Adding more weight means more strength, more repetitions mean more speed. But more can mean problems for young bodies. Young athletes are developing at different rates and must be dealt with individually. Light to moderate weighted insoles can be an excellent answer for building young athletes' lower body strength, speed and coordination. The weight can increase as the athlete's body matures. Moreover, placing the weight below the body's weight prevents the harmful injuries caused by carrying it above young joints and allows the athlete to maintain a normal stride. Whether the athlete is playing football, volleyball, basketball, or soccer, or participating in track and field, speed, agility and the same overall athleticism are the qualities young athletes and their parents are seeking.

Weighted insoles allow the young athlete to play a specific sport while using them, unlike ankle weights resistance bands or weighted vests, which must be removed during practice or competition. In other words, you can take the weight room to the field or court!

Weighted insoles can be safer than other weight training approaches for young legs. Look for insoles that are light enough to accommodate younger athletes eleven or twelve years and up. Six ounces seem to work well with undeveloped beginners. As the young athlete practices and develops more skills and as the body matures, he or she can move up to the eight-ounce insole. Many companies recommend heavier weight to build strength faster. Unfortunately, maintaining a normal stride length (important for safe training) with more weight can be difficult. A well planned workout with age-appropriate weights is a good basis for strength training, just don’t go overboard!

Look also, for a tool that can stabilize the heel and ankle area. Early shoe choices are very important to parents wishing to insure the healthy participation of their child in the sport of their choice. The shoe companies oftentimes put their emphasis on the upper part of the shoe and neglect the part of shoe that has the most direct contact with the athlete: the shoe's liner or insole. Choose a weighted insole that is comfortable and focuses on foot and ankle safety by stabilizing the heel with a deep heel cup. The deep heel cup prevents the foot from sliding inside the shoe, which creates an unstable foundation for the athlete.

There is no quick and easy way to develop strength. Weighted insoles can make the journey safer, more convenient and more comfortable. Carrying a small amount of weight with every step can make a positive difference with each workout. They can be used in your favorite cross trainers, walking shoes or running shoes. Weighted insoles provide a training edge for any athlete who is striving to reach the next level safely!