We frequent individuals that believe it will stunt your athletes’ growth. Others think it will reduce long term flexibility, and cause injury. The list of myths and misconceptions continues. However, it has never been firmly established at what age resistance training for athletes should begin.

In my opinion, the answer is a resounding “as soon as possible”.

Darren Hansen, the owner of HansenAthletics, is offering something a little different to the Pocatello fitness scene — a personalized approach to getting in shape.

The gym offers one-on-one training, but it also offers online training at a lower cost. Regardless of what clients decide to do, each person gets an individualized workout program and access to a library of online video demonstrations.

“Everybody can come in and get an individualized experience, which I think is unique to this area and I think where it needs to be headed in the future,” Hansen said. “Groups are great, but you can’t really narrow it in. So that’s what we do here: We create individualized programs that are performance-based for anybody who walks through our doors.”

I can almost guarantee everyone that reads this article can think immediately of a situation where a parent of an athlete overstepped or made a scene on game day… and it may even involve you. While most parents are attempting to come from a good place it’s imperative to realize that you may be doing more harm than good! I’ve spent some time going through surveys of high-level athletes, and the NUMBER ONE stressor they have identified from their youth sport experiences were either parents or coaches.