You've probably heard this many times before from various sources. "Bodybuilding stunts your growth!". This specifically applies to teenagers more than any other age group because it is in those ages that growth takes place. Well, the truth is...
WEIGHTLIFTING DOES NOT STUNT YOUR GROWTH!
That's right, you heard me (or read) correctly, weight lifting does not stunt your growth. Famous sports stars including Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson, Karl Malone, Michael Vick all started weight lifting in their early teen years and all have grown to be taller than 6 feet tall. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself admits that he started weight lifting at a young age and has grown to be 62 23. Lou Ferrigno ("The Incredible Hulk") started working out at the age of 14 at the height of 52 93 and grew to a height of 62 53 - taller than anyone in his family! Now unless you class 6 feet as short, there is enough proof on TV to say that weight lifting does not stunt your growth. I started weight lifting at the age of 14 and I am now 62 tall!
The compression forces on the legs and spine produced by what are classed as "normal" activities such as running and jumping are upto 5 times the bodyweight and it is unlikely that any liftable weight will be able to match this.
There is no scientific proof to say that weight lifting will stunt your growth. In fact, books such as the Russian "School of Height" suggest that weight lifting promotes growth. Recent surveys and studies show that weight lifting actually has positive effects on growth.
The only thing that can be dangerous when it comes to weight lifting is incorrect technique and form. This can lead to injuries but this is the same for any other activity. With correct technique and form, the risk of incurring injuries is very low.
I hope this clears up the misconception that weight lifting stunts your growth.
By Daiyaan Ghani |
