YOUNG ATHLETES
LEARN-TO-TRAIN

Why Strength Training, Now, Matters - Protect Their Potential Before the Window Closes

At The Athlete Lab, we believe strength and speed training, done properly, is one of the smartest investments you can make in your athlete’s future. Here’s the case — and the science — behind it:

1. Windows of Trainability: Catch the Opportunities That Don’t Last

The LTAD (Long-Term Athlete Development) framework describes “windows of trainability,” during which certain physical qualities (speed, strength, power) respond more quickly to training stimulus. For example:

• Speed and agility windows open early (often between ages ~6–9) and again around early adolescence. 

• Strength and power capacities become especially trainable as children approach and move through pre-puberty into puberty, where hormonal changes support greater adaptation. 

If an athlete waits until late adolescence to begin structured strength training, many of those early windows have passed — meaning slower development, more catch-up work, and possibly a higher injury risk.

By starting now, we carefully tap into those windows — building coordination, neuromuscular control, joint stabilization, and foundational strength — so when peak power years come, the athlete’s body is ready.

2. How We Train — The Athlete Lab Difference

Instead, we follow principles grounded in LTAD and athlete development:

• Age-appropriate progressions — movements scale with maturity, strength, and experience.

• Movement-first foundation — we emphasize control, balance, posture, and correct technique before loading.

• Periodization aligned to their sport calendar — each block is tailored to when the athlete is most responsive.

• Holistic approach — strength + speed + recovery + mental performance + nutrition — all pillars of our ecosystem.

When athletes train smart, they not only get stronger — they build resiliency, confidence, and physical habits that pay off for years.

The Bottom Line & What You Can Do Next

Delaying means risking missed opportunity. Starting now means your athlete will:

• Protect themselves from injury

• Develop athletic movement that transfers across sport

• Take advantage of biological windows where adaptation is faster

• Build confidence, mental toughness, and consistency

If you’re curious how this fits your athlete’s current age, sport, or schedule, we can walk you through a plan. Want to trial a Strength & Speed session? Schedule it below.

Give your athlete the opportunity to chase into their full potential — starting today.