Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Will Lifting Weights At Young Age Stunts Your Growth?

Hello, I wanted to know if lifting weights stunts your growth at an early age, my son wants to start lifting with me, but I don t know if it will stunt his growth, his current height is 5 6 and he is 13.5 years old, but I myself am only 5 8.5 and my wife is 5 3.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Mon, 17 Mar 2014 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 18 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist,  's  Response
Hi im hema physiotherapist.
I understand your concern.
Proper strength training does not stunt.
Keep the weight light with high reps.
Don't take the chances of damaging growth plates by giving him too heavy.
Form must be achieved before any strength training routine.
At this age strength training is good than lifting.here is a difference between “lifting weights” and “strength training.(self resistance)” I strongly prefer to use the term strength training, weekly 4 times.

As he is very young for body building a good trainer helps for proper technique, safety, and monitored at all time if he is very much interested.


In such case you can ask using:

Free weights(light weight with more repetition)
Resistance bands.
He can join sports team etc....

Hope this helps you to take decision.in doubt get back to us.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Will Lifting Weights At Young Age Stunts Your Growth?

Hi im hema physiotherapist. I understand your concern. Proper strength training does not stunt. Keep the weight light with high reps. Don t take the chances of damaging growth plates by giving him too heavy. Form must be achieved before any strength training routine. At this age strength training is good than lifting.here is a difference between “lifting weights” and “strength training.(self resistance)” I strongly prefer to use the term strength training, weekly 4 times. As he is very young for body building a good trainer helps for proper technique, safety, and monitored at all time if he is very much interested. In such case you can ask using: Free weights(light weight with more repetition) Resistance bands. He can join sports team etc.... Hope this helps you to take decision.in doubt get back to us.