LEWISTON – Central Maine Medical Center Wellness Solutions will offer a youth strength training program beginning on Thursday, June 19.

The six-week program is designed for young people who have a focused interest in a particular sport or simply want to feel better about their health and appearance.

The program was developed to offer safe, effective strength training to boys and girls ages 13 to 17.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association, properly planned and managed strength training for young people can help put the individual on a lifetime path to better health and fitness.

Teens who participate in the program will first receive a complete fitness evaluation, including height, weight, blood pressure, body composition, flexibility, muscular endurance and cardiovascular endurance.

Participants will learn to safely and effectively build strength using free weights, weight machines, resistance bands and their own body weight. They will learn to design their own strength training programs, focusing on such concepts as progression, overload, specificity, over training, periodization, and plyometrics.

The program will also explore training aids and nutritional supplements, examining what works, what is a waste of time and money and what could potentially be dangerous.

Potential health benefits include increased muscle strength, stronger bones and better endurance, improved body composition, protection from muscle and joint injury, improved athletic performance, lower blood cholesterol levels and better heart and lung function.

Certified wellness center professionals will provide individualized supervision and training. Parental permission is required and parents are welcome to observe any or all sessions.

The program will be offered from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. A fee will be charged. Anyone seeking more information or wishing to register for the program is asked to call 795-2473.