weight lifting and stunted growth

mcquillen · Newbie Joined: 21 Jun 2005 Posts: 17

My son is 17 and doing weight lifting. My friend told me this could stunted his growth. Is this true or just a mysth?

covalt · Newbie Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 15

I think this is more myth than true, although there have been several studies conducted on teen weight lifting that suggest that certain types of weight lifting may damage the epiphysis, or growth plate, of bones. There is evidence that lifting heavy weight could speed up growth plate closure, which would stunt growth.
It is important for your son to do less “pressing exercises” and would also be good to do the “jumping sports” (like basketball, volleyball, where is lots of jumping involved). It is also important to use relatively lightweights and do 2-3 sets of no more than 15 repetitions. He should also try to limit workouts to 3, half-hour sessions per week.

weight lifting and stunted growth

LIFEFORM SOCIAL COMMUNITY NETWORK