Does Lifting Weights Stunt Growth?

The idea that lifting weights stunts growth in children is largely a myth. When done properly, weightlifting can offer several benefitThe health and wellness industry is full of half-truths and myths that seem to stick around, regardless of what the science and the experts saOne question that comes up often in fitness circles and medical offices, and with youth coaches is, does lifting weights stunt growth?

If you’re a parent of a child under age 18, you might be wondering if the strength training workouts children are doing at the gym or as part of a sports team are stunting your child’s growtWhile this concern about stunted growth seems legitimate, the good news is, your child does not have to quit lifting weightsWhat does the science sayThe myth that kids will stop growing if they lift weights too young is not supported by any scientific evidence or research.

What is supported by scientific evidence and research is that properly designed and supervised resistance training programs have numerous benefitsTrusted Source for kids, includingincreasing strength and bone strength ind(Bdecreasing fracture risk and ratessports-related injugrowing self-esteem and interest in fitneWhy do people believe that lifting weights stunts growMost likely, the myth that lifting weights stunts growth came from concern over kids causing damage to their growth plates if they participate in a strength training program.

Dr. Rob Raponi, a naturopathic doctor and certified sports nutritionist, says the misconception that lifting weights stunts growth likely stems from the fthat injuries to growth plates in immature bones can stunt growtHowever, he points out that this is something that can result from poor form, weights that are too heavy, and a lack of supervision. But it’s not the result of lifting weights correctlyWhat this myth doesn’t mention is that participation in almost any type of sport or recreational activity carries a risk of injury. In fact, about 15 to 30 percent of all childhood fractures involve the growth platesYour growth plates

are the cartilaginous areas of growing tissue at the ends of long bones (like the thigh bone, for example). These plates turn into hardened bone when young people reach physical maturity but are softer during development and are therefore more susceptible to damagBut just because the growth plates are susceptible to damage doesn’t mean an adolescent or teenager should avoid lifting weightThe shared thought among medical professionals is that weightlifting in kids under 18 is safe when properly applied, says Chris Wolf, DO, sports medicine and regenerative orthopedic specialist at the Bluetail Medical Group.