The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for the prevention of overuse injuries in young athletes maintains that participation in a single sport not exceed 5 days a week. Training in triathlon requires that the athlete diversify their training between swimming, biking, running and complementary activities such as strength and flexibility training.  With sports injuries in children accounting for 3.5 million events annually and half of those due to overuse, the built-in protective nature of mixing up one's training cannot be underestimated.  It is very important to protect teens from overuse injuries since they are particularly vulnerable to growth plate injuries which may result in permanent damage.  Short distance triathlon training and racing provides a healthy balance of activities and can be a safe and fun part of an individual's lifestyle from youth through the golden years.
 
Next Post: Wednesday, June 1, 2016: Powerful Lifestyle Tips - Why Multisport (Triathlon) is Great for Kids Tip #5 – Cross Training is Important

In 2015, the American Journal of Sports Medicine published a clear finding that young athletes specializing in a single sport are at increased risk for injury and serious overuse injury. Based on this, the American Academy of Pediatrics supports the recommendation that young athletes avoid specializing in one sport before puberty. This is primarily based on the fact that youngsters and teens, prior to the completion of their growth spurt, have a section of their bones called the growth plate, which is particularly vulnerable to injury. Injury to the growth plate can result in permanent growth damage.

 Next Post: Wednesday, May 25, 2016: Powerful Lifestyle Tips - Why Multisport (Triathlon) is Great for Kids Tip #4 – Participation Time in One Sport is Limited

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Triathlon training and racing with its 3 disciplines of swimming, biking and running ensures that participants have a balance of athletic activities. This supports the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations of maintaining a healthy balance of activities as part of their guidelines to prevent overuse injuries in the adolescent athlete. Overuse injuries account for at least half of the 3.5 million sports injuries in children that occur annually.

Next Post: Wednesday, May 18, 2016: Powerful Lifestyle Tips - Why Multisport (Triathlon) is Great for Kids Tip #3 – It Avoids Specialization in One Sport Prior to Puberty
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