Growth and weight lifting

[Binatang]

Does lifting weights cause the growth plates to close off faster, allowing you to not grow as much?

[Joshua_M97]

I heard about that but my dad said its bs so I continued lifting. :/

[ianc96]

Yes, here is my take on this.

If you're under 16, you should not be doing ANY exercises with heavy weights. If yoy want to do curls with weights, or butterflies, that's ok.

However, overhead squats and deadlifts are NOT a good idea because they put compression on the spine. Compression on the spine means the growth plates aren't allowed to "grow", so it does prevent you from getting taller, causing problems later on.

This is my experience with this, and I've done research on this because I was interested in working out with weights as well.

[Jonny Caselli]

Does lifting weights cause the growth plates to close off faster, allowing you to not grow as much?



No it does not - . This seems to be a bit of a myth
mabe due to many successful weight lifters being of smaller height, but for them they were smaller anyway and that is good for weight lifting.

I can see how people may think this but there is no basis in fact.

I lift weights - weight train etc and have a yearly or even 6 monthly check up. Even the orthopeadic guys at the hospital say its ok.

[cerney]

maybe, i have since i was like...13, and im only 5'10. thats probably genetics though

[Gigablue]

Lifting very heavy weights i.e. bodybuilding, competitive weightlifting can stunt growth and potentially cause severe injury and is not recommended until you finish growing. Lifting moderate weights will build muscle without the harm and high risks, and is generally good for you, though you should ask your doctor before starting any excersise routine.

[UnknownBoi98]

I Thought This Too . .

[Belton21]

I've been lifting since I was 13 and I'm 6'4 it hasnt effected me yet.

[LatinaVivit]

No way. I did rowing through my growth spurt years - in rowing we lifted weights all the time - and I'm 6'4"

[WonderTastic]

I truly dont know but most people say that you have to wait till your in your mid teens cause you stunt your growth lifting weights but i dont belive them. I think they say it cause it is unsafe for younger children.