Strength and conditioning for young athletes in Bristol

Research supports well-designed, properly supervised strength training for young people: an international consensus of experts in youth strength training concluded that it is safe and worthwhile when it's well designed and properly supervised. Reported injuries have often involved unsupervised training or poor instruction, which is why supervision and technique matter. Good coaching means choosing suitable exercises and loads, teaching technique, and progressing at a pace that matches the young person's experience. That's why every session is one to one and technique always comes before load.

It's a common worry, usually based on the idea that lifting damages growth plates. The same expert consensus concluded that fears about appropriately designed and supervised strength training damaging young people's growth plates are not supported by the research. That isn't a guarantee for any programme: what matters is good coaching, sensible progression and adapting training around growth spurts.

Children can benefit from age-appropriate strength activities from a young age. Readiness depends on whether they can understand instructions, follow coaching and take part safely, not just on age. My coaching is mainly for ages 12–18, and a younger athlete would need an approach suited to them. Newer athletes start with body-weight and light-load technique work.

No programme can guarantee that injuries will be prevented. Research suggests well-designed strength training may reduce the risk of some sports-related injuries in young people, which is one reason it's worth doing. But injuries have many causes, and the main aim is a stronger, more capable athlete who is ready for the demands of their sport.

It's a fair question, and I always ask about their whole week before planning anything. Sessions are planned around their club training, not added on top of it blindly, and the plan changes if they're tired, sore or going through a growth spurt. Where it helps, I'll talk to their club coach so everyone is working in the same direction.

No, but it helps. A K Performance assessment gives a clear starting point and shows which few things are most worth working on, so the coaching can focus on those from day one. The assessment and coaching are booked separately.

No. I coach at your child's own gym or training facility, so they learn to train in the place they'll keep training. If the gym charges a guest or coach fee, the family pays it.

Yes. I'm happy to share what we're working on and fit the sessions around the club's plan.

Yes. Most of the athletes I coach are teenagers, but adults who want structured, one-to-one strength coaching are welcome, at the same prices. Get in touch and tell me what you're working towards.