What is a commonly noted benefit of starting a strength-training program before menarche?

• A. It strengthens long bones.
• B. It stunts growth.
• C. It delays puberty.
• D. It weakens bones.

Answer: (A)

Starting a strength-training program before menarche leverages the skeleton’s strong response to mechanical loading. Bones adapt to the forces they experience, and prepubertal bones are particularly responsive, so resistance work can increase bone mineral content and the thickness and strength of long bones like the femur and tibia. This leads to higher peak bone mass as the child grows, which is protective against fractures later in life. It’s not true that properly supervised strength training stunts growth, delays puberty, or weakens bones; when done safely, it strengthens the bones.