Does Weight lifting stunted growth

elisabeth · Silver Member Joined: 21 Oct 2000 Posts: 249

Hi all. I’m 14 years old and wanted to know if weight lifting will stunt my growth? I would really like to start weightlifting but my mom forbid dens me due to posiible stunt growth... Is she right???

schock · Silver Member Joined: 31 Dec 2001 Posts: 234

Yes, your mom is correct - it is possible that weight lifting in your age can stunt your growth. Researchers have shown there is a link between weight lifting and stunted growth - lifting heavy weights can speed up the closing of growth plates before they had a chance to fully develop and therefore stopping the growth process. As you are getting older and you body “normally” starts slowing down your growing, the weightlifting will have less and less effect on it. Anyway, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any type of weight training or exercise program. Also, once you have started, be sure to take one step at the time – start with low weight and then slowly increase it. Good luck.

Does Weight lifting stunted growth

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