Which age group should avoid muscle strengthening exercises until they have proper guidance?

The correct response recognizes that adolescents before puberty should avoid muscle strengthening exercises until they have proper guidance. This is grounded in the understanding that during this developmental stage, adolescents are experiencing significant physical and hormonal changes that can affect their growth plates, muscles, and coordination. Proper guidance and supervision are essential to ensure that exercises are performed with appropriate technique and intensity to minimize the risk of injury.

Muscle strengthening exercises can be beneficial for adolescents, but they should be introduced in a controlled and safe manner, often under the supervision of qualified professionals who can provide instruction on safe practices and establish an age-appropriate regimen. This guidance ensures that exercises are suitable for the individual's physical maturity and helps to develop a solid foundation for future training.

In contrast, adults of all ages, including older adults, generally can participate in muscle strengthening exercises, provided they are tailored to their individual health status and fitness level. Similarly, children over the age of six can engage in strength training, as long as it is done safely and with appropriate instruction, emphasizing proper form rather than heavy loads. Therefore, the emphasis on guiding adolescents before puberty is critical to fostering safe and effective training practices.