LEWISTON – Central Maine Medical Center Wellness Solutions will offer a Youth Strength Training Program beginning on July 7. The program will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

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 who are 13 to 17 years old.

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 individuals 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.

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.

A fee will be charged for participation.

Anyone seeking more information or wishing to register for the program is urged to call 795-2473.