The age-old question of does weightlifting stunt growth has a resounding answer according to medical professionals.
There are many questions surrounding the topic of lifting weights at a young age. Does it stunt growth? Are there any long-term side effects? When discussing this topic, many professionals believe that it is quite the opposite and there are many benefits to weightlifting, but our team at Generation Iron is going to take a deep dive and break it down.
Lifting weights isn’t a fad which is going away anytime soon. Working out has longstanding benefits which make it a worthwhile sport for anyone to follow. People might come to the gym because of their resolutions but stay because of the positive changes they see. This can begin at a young age if done right.
Can Weightlifting Stunt Growth?
The overall question came up when discussing if weightlifting would have an effect on linear growth or growth plate health. The American Academy of Pediatrics denied that there would be any negative reactions or effects. In fact, it highlighted the benefit of resistance training including bodyweight movements and cardio.
“Positive outcomes of improved strength in youth continued to be acknowledged, including improvements in health, fitness, rehabilitation of injuries, injury reduction, and physical literacy.”
If you want to see results in the gym, you need to be disciplined. A fit lifestyle demands discipline with your workouts, diet, and recovery. The same can be said during your teenage years. Over time, you’ll find yourself starting to get accountable in other areas in your life. More accountability keeps you on track to better succeed in everything you do.
The overall feeling of weightlifting for teenagers has changed, both for mental and physical health. There is no evidence that there is a cause for concern in the long term. With that being said, there still is a risk of injury and lifting at a young age requires knowledge about proper forms.
Importance Of Preventing Injury In The Gym
Weightlifting at a young age carries many benefits but there is always a risk of injury. That’s why it is important to seek advice or guidance about proper form and weight control when lifting. This can come from a personal trainer, physical education teacher, or a coach.
According to the Mayo Clinic, if weight training is done and taught right, it can be beneficial for children as young as eight years old. This will help prevent injuries as well as strength training can lead to stronger muscles and joints. Training is not just for athletes. Even kids who do not play sports can benefit from strong bones and healthy blood pressure levels while maintaining a healthy weight.
“Strength training is good even for kids who just want to look and feel better. In fact, strength training might put your child on a lifetime path to better health and fitness.”
While there are plenty of people who love doing cardio, it’s important to not neglect what lifting can do for your strength gains, but also other important factors like stability, posture, and functional movements. With the right approach to lifting, you will be well on your way to seeing great gains.
Wrap Up
The idea of weight training is not one that should be taken lightly. It is important to know about the proper forms and techniques to avoid injury in the gym. By knowing the right approaches, it can prepare you for a healthy lifestyle and get yourself in a routine that you will enjoy. This can begin at a young age since many believe there are no long-term side effects when weightlifting at a young age.
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