Stunted growth-Do weightlifters under 18 hinder their growth?
Stunted growth- Do youngsters under the age of 18 who exercise weights experience stunted growth?
One query that comes up regularly in the fields of medicine, physical fitness, and youth coaching is “Does weight lifting impede teen growth?” If you’re a parent of a young child, you might be concerned about whether weight training done by teenagers in gyms or as a member of a sports team can harm your child’s development. The good news is that your child doesn’t have to quit lifting weights despite the fact that this worry about children’s growth is constrained.
The findings of science (stunted growth)
There isn’t any proof that lifting weights would stop a child’s growth, but research does show that properly planned training provides a number of advantages for kids, including:
- Boost bone density and the index of bone density (BSI).
- lowering the possibility of bone fractures.
- enhance their sense of self.
Why is it believed that lifting weights prevents growth?
According to Dr. Rob Raboni, a professor of natural medicine and expert in sports nutrition, the belief that weight lifting stunts children’s growth is most likely due to any injury to a child’s bones that can prevent his growth. However, the injuries are actually caused by the child’s weak structure from birth, heavy lifting, and not the presence of a trained supervisor; they are not a direct result of weight lifting.
Additionally, there is a danger of injury when a child engages in any recreational activity, and research shows that the growth plates are damaged in 15 to 30 percent of paediatric fractures. Long bones like the femur have cartilaginous regions called growth plates at their ends. During the growth phase, these components are supple and more vulnerable to harm. But once a person reaches puberty, these plates solidify into bones.
However, just because the growth plates are prone to injury does not mean that the teenage child should refrain from lifting weights. In fact, all physiotherapists concur that, when done properly, lifting weights for a child under the age of eighteen is safe for the child’s development.
advice on how to lift weights safely
You ought to suggest the following if your adolescent wants to lift weights:
speed up
Carrying high weights does not happen overnight; a youngster must gradually raise the weights, start with a light weight, and focus more on learning how to lift weights than the weight of the heavier objects.
The child’s size is unimportant.
According to Dr. Alex Tauberg, the primary advantage of weight training for kids is increased neuromuscular efficiency; as a result, kids shouldn’t be too concerned with significantly bigger muscles. As a result, kids’ training plans should be created with this in mind. The more neurologically strong the kid is, the more weight he can lift.
Age is irrelevant.
The capacity of each child varies from person to person and not according to the child’s age, thus the coach must decide whether the child or adolescent is ready to lift weights on an individual basis and not according to age group.
Make lifting enjoyable by starting with the fundamentals
Physicians advise that the child start with weight-free workouts. There is nothing wrong with beginning weight training, though, as long as it is done under supervision and the child enjoys it.
Proper oversight is essential.
If your son is determined to lift weights, ensure that he has a qualified personal trainer who creates a programme for him that is both scientific and professional. Consult your child’s doctor before beginning a weight-lifting programme if you have any worries about it.