Does Lifting Weights Stunt Growth At 15. However, there is no research or data that Jun 18, 2018 · Whil
However, there is no research or data that Jun 18, 2018 · While this concern about stunted growth seems legitimate, the good news is, your child does not have to quit lifting weights. Moreover, growth plate injury is greater with jumping sports as they produce forces more than 5-7 times your body mass [3]. Oct 29, 2024 · Some parents worry that weightlifting and strength training could strain or damage bone growth plates, leading to stunted growth at 11, 13, or even 15. Mar 9, 2022 · There is a risk of injury from lifting more weight than one can control. Understand the true risk—vulnerable growth plates—and master safe lifting techniques. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the safety and benefits of youth strength training, this misconception continues to be perpetuated by worried parents, well-meaning teachers, and even some medical professionals. In fact, proper strength training can support healthy development by boosting growth hormone and testosterone. May 10, 2024 · Uncover the truth with my expert take on whether weight lifting affects your growth. What actually causes problems is bad technique and injuries. The idea that weight lifting stunts growth is a persistent myth, but scientific research has shown that properly supervised strength training does not harm growth plates or negatively impact height. C. Scientific studies have found no correlation between age-appropriate strength programs and the premature fusion of epiphyseal plates. P. But is this really true? Sep 23, 2024 · Lifting weights around the time you hit puberty or your teenage years does not stunt your height. However, modern scientific research has consistently demonstrated that exercise does not have a negative impact on growth. In fact, it can improve bone density, muscle strength, and overall development—keep reading to see the evidence and expert guidelines on safe training for children Jun 13, 2024 · Explore more about the benefits and safety of weightlifting for adolescents: Should Children and Adolescents Lift Weights? and Does Weight Training Really Stunt Kids’ Growth?. 2 3 Epiphyseal plate fractures are prevalent in children. Jun 26, 2024 · Discover the truth about weight lifting and growth. Multiple systematic reviews and studies have shown the opposite – that age-appropriate strength training provides numerous benefits for young athletes, including: Sep 16, 2022 · "There's no evidence that weight lifting stunts growth," she said. Feb 25, 2025 · Weightlifting, when done correctly, does not stunt height growth in teenagers. Studies on negative effect of strength training show that potential injuries induced by improper use of weights can stunt growth. Did the study follow-up on these youths ten years later to see if they were on average closer to the frame they had whenever they began formal training (in comparison to their peers who did not have a weight lifting regimen)? Jan 30, 2024 · Does lifting weights stunt growth? There is little scientific evidence to support the claim that lifting weights stunts growth in teenagers, and it is usually refuted by modern research. S. Get insights on weights, growth, and weightlifting effects. May 25, 2021 · The False Myth That Weight Lifting Stunts Growth If you're worried about your kid starting a strength training plan, read this first. Learn the science behind it and make informed fitness choices. Does working out stunt your growth? I've heard from people that working out stunts your growth with evidence to back it up, their friends who used to lift heavy weights for money (construction site or something) are relatively short at 5,3 while their parents are 5,8 and 5,9. Train smart and get stronger the right way. however, maximal lifting (highest weight amount you can lift one to three times) may put you at more risk for injury to the growing areas of a child’s body. This idea has caused concern among parents, teenagers, and even some fitness enthusiasts, leading to unnecessary fears and misconceptions about the safety and benefits of resistance training for young people. Training with proper form is safe and can even support healthy development. Jul 17, 2024 · Lifting weights around the time you hit puberty or your teenage years does not stunt your height. It's time to put this myth to rest with evidence-based information The belief that lifting weights stunts growth remains one of the most persistent myths in youth athletics. Many worry that lifting weights before age 15 or 16 could damage growth plates. Can Lifting Weights Stop Your Growth? You sent Lifting weights won’t stunt your growth that’s a myth. There are many questions surrounding the topic of lifting weights at a young age. Scientific studies show it supports healthy development by improving muscle strength and bone density without harming growth plates. Does weight lifting stunt growth? This is a common question that I get from guys in their early to mid teens who are wanting to begin a weight training program to build up their overall muscle size and strength. 📌 Timestamps: 0:00 - The "Gym Stunts Growth" Myth Oct 14, 2024 · Enter the long-standing controversy: does lifting weights stunt growth in tweens and teens? The short answer: no. Oct 7, 2024 · Weightlifting at a young age seems dangerous — but is it so? Here, we explore the risk of injuries and stunted growth associated with the sport. Decades of research and the official stance of major medical and sports organizations confirm that properly supervised resistance training does not stunt growth. Does this also apply to calisthenics? Aug 22, 2024 · The misconception that workouts stunt growth stems from outdated beliefs and anecdotal evidence. Matter of fact, since weight training is directly related to increased production of testosterone, it might just help your muscle grow bigger, denser and stronger, even taller. Because of this, it is suggested that children and adolescents should only perform body weight exercises and not use any external loading (dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells) during this time of 4 days ago · We debunk the myth: Does lifting weights or intense exercise really stunt a child’s growth? Learn the science and safe training protocols. But in general, the health benefits of lifting weights outweigh the risks. In recent years, increased social media presence and No studies have ever been shown that lifting weights stunts or inhibits growth. "In fact, resistance training can help build coordination and strength in young athletes, and there's a strong push right now for young female athletes to lift weights in the hope that it may offer more injury prevention. "There's no evidence that weightlifting stunts growth", she said. Weight training can improve strength, confidence, coordination, psychological well-being, and healthy weight. Read also: Why Do I Get Coughing Fits At Night? Sep 16, 2022 · Enter the long-standing controversy: does lifting weights stunt growth in tweens and teens? The short answer: no. Instead, it offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, from increased bone density to improved muscle strength and self-confidence. Aug 16, 2024 · Can Lifting Weights Stunt Growth? | Risks For Young People | Best Weightlifting Age | Safe Resistance Workout Plan For years, there's been a widespread belief that weight training can hinder children's growth. , strength coach and doctor of physiotherapy. Enter the long-standing controversy: does lifting weights stunt growth in tweens and teens? The short answer: no. Bottom Line Weightlifting does not stunt growth — poorly supervised training does. In other words, the weights and machines can cause direct blunt trauma. Strength training does not stunt growth…. , CSCS. Sep 16, 2022 · Enter the long-standing controversy: does lifting weights stunt growth in tweens and teens? The short answer: no. A review pointed out that playing football is 27 times more hurtful than lifting weights. May 4, 2025 · Indeed, a child’s growth is stunted only when their growth plates get badly hurt or fractured. Feb 29, 2016 · Myth 2: lifting weights stunts growth You’ve probably heard at some point that strength training can stunt growth in children. However, kids usually fracture their growth plates while resistance training due to poor form, weights that are too heavy, and a lack of supervision. Published: May 25, 2021 10:44 AM EDT For decades, a persistent myth has floated around fitness circles and beyond: weight lifting stunts growth. Jan 31, 2024 · Author: Joanna XuEditors: Hwi-On Lee, Viola ChenArtist: Jade Li “Weight training stunts your growth. Learn how strength training impacts growth, bone health, and overall development—plus safe training tips for teens and young athletes. What does the science say? The myth that kids will stop Weight lifting, when done properly with correct technique and supervision, does not stunt growth at age 15. Some parents worry that weightlifting and strength training could strain or damage bone growth plates, leading to stunted growth at 11, 13, or even 15. Therefore, max lifting should be discouraged until after puberty. Dec 2, 2025 · Discover the truth about weightlifting and its impact on growth in teenagers. In fact, studies have shown that regular physical activity can actually promote healthy growth and development. This blog post aims to delve into the scientific evidence and expert opinions surrounding this issue, providing a comprehensive understanding of the impact of weight lifting on young individuals. Nov 24, 2010 · Of course they became stronger, but probably at the expense of skeletal growth over a longer period. Growth plates are highly susceptible to injury in children because they are the last segment of the bone to solidify and tend to be weak. Your height is controlled by growth plates, not dumbbells. In this short, I break down the truth about lifting, growing taller, and staying safe 4 days ago · A persistent concern for teenagers interested in strength training, especially around age 14, is whether working out, particularly lifting weights, stunts growth. T. Jun 7, 2024 · The question of whether weight lifting at a young age stunts growth has been a topic of debate for decades. There is a widely held belief that weights training, when performed during puberty/adolescence, can stunt ones growth by damaging their growth plates. We’ll look at what the latest medical research says about teenagers hitting the gym and whether lifting weights actually impacts your height. Jan 16, 2023 · Lifting weights around the time you hit puberty or your teenage years does not stunt your height. . In recent years, increased social media presence and Jan 15, 2025 · The age-old question of does weightlifting stunt growth has a resounding answer according to medical professionals. By Trevor Thieme C. Aug 10, 2022 · However, strength training and weight lifting have no apparent adverse effect on linear growth or growth plate health. 3 days ago · Myth 2: Lifting weights will Injure Kids: Early studies challenged the efficacy of resistance training interventions for preadolescents. Separate myths from facts and learn how strength training affects adolescent development and height. Evidence from Oct 13, 2022 · The myth that lifting weights stunts growth comes from concern over kids causing damage to their growth plates. Jan 11, 2026 · Debunking the myth: Strength training at 13 doesn’t stunt height. Oct 13, 2022 · The myth that lifting weights stunts growth comes from concern over kids causing damage to their growth plates. Sports doctors explain whether weight training with dumbbells, kettlebells and barbells can stunt a teenager's growth, or whether it supports healthy development. Jan 8, 2024 · Does building muscle stunt growth? Learn the truth about weight-lifting, height development, and how strength training affects teens safely. ” This is the typical parent’s response when their child shows interest in weight training. The most important aspects when training as a child are supervision, exercise technique, light weights, and high repetitions in the 12, 15, and even 20 rep range. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. When teens lift with proper technique, gradual progression, and good coaching, strength training becomes one of the safest and most beneficial activities for young athletes. Decades of research have consistently demonstrated that proper resistance training does not impair growth or damage growth plates. Whether you’re one of these disappointed children, or you’ve never even considered lifting, we’re here to address these misconceptions. Jan 8, 2025 · Does lifting weights at a young age affect growth? In a June 2020 clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the group states that properly designed resistance training programs have no apparent negative effect on linear growth, growth plate health, or the cardiovascular system of children and adolescents. But there are some caveats to bear in mind for teens looking to begin weight training, according to Carol Mack, D. Jul 23, 2024 · Discover if deadlifting can stunt growth or affect height, and learn how to avoid these issues without giving up this powerful exercise. “LIFTING WEIGHTS WILL STUNT YOUR GROWTH!” Many pediatricians and parents have either been told, or told someone themselves, that lifting weights before puberty is a bad thing due to the potential damage it can place on the long bones of the body and the growth plates. 5 days ago · Exercises using body weight are more appropriate for younger children, while those engaging in weight lifting should be able to lift weights comfortably for 8 to 15 repetitions; if not, the weights are too heavy. Feb 25, 2025 · Wondering if weight training can stunt growth? Explore the facts behind this common fitness myth.