does weightlifting stunt growth?

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hi all, I read in my other post that some people believe weightlifting stunts growth. I have heard of this before as well, and have also heard that instead of stunting growth, weightlifting actually promotes growth! So now I am kind of wondering about what is the truth. Any experts care to help me out?

Thanks all

 

Sadly I don't have an article to offer as evidence, but back when I was a brat my judo and karate teachers both said I should avoid too intense training at that age. According to them, the growth and tenseness of muscles counteracts the growth of bones among other things. I also seem to remember that some teacher at some of our biology classes claimed the hormonal balance is disrupted if you do heavy weightlifting during your growth age, which may cause your growth to stop prematurely. I'm not sure what the supposed difference should be then, a few millimeters, centimeters or more.

But as I said, I don't have anything to back these rumours up. Good thing that you mentioned it, since this belongs to the area in which I'm interested. I'll get back to you if I bother to try and find out more about it within reasonable time.

 

Lifting weights does not stunt your growth. It actually promotes stronger bones and a healthier body. Heavy weights should not be started till after puberty. Usually around 13 for most males. Its steroids that stunt growth in more ways than one.

http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/jul2000/965096380.An.r.html

 

My parents didn't let me lift relatively heavy weights til after puberty anyways. they believed that it would stunt my growth. didn't work, I'm still short :/ ah well, lack of height leads to an increase somewhere

 

Intense training do stunt growth but it needs to be *very* intense. The body is too exhausted to be able to grow is the explanation I have been given.

 

Hey, thanks a lot you guys. I'm pretty glad that weightlifting actually promotes growth as long as you're doing it right!

 

Yeah, weightlifting does not stunt growth at all. I used to lift a lot, now just a little. Intense weightlifting at a young age can screw you up later in other ways, though. My back is a bit messed up from heavy squatting in my teen years (600+#), and I can also no longer squat due to knee problems. For me it was all worth it-I competed-but I always laughed at older guys in the gym, their bodies never changed, they just worked out and stayed the same. Now I realize why. The arrogance of youth...

 

Powerlifting before puberty does stunt growth. Once your muscles have developed, however, it won't.

 

i still think that weightlifting is NOT healthy!

 

I've been weightlifting since age 15 when I played football in high school...It didn't stunt my growth! I'm a healthy 4' 8" A bit tall...For a hobbit!

Just kidding! I'm 6'3" and I have been lifting since age 15. The only thing it's done is make me stronger...

 

i still think that weightlifting is NOT healthy!

 

Jeez Jon, still researching? You know there are probably about a million webpages which will give you much more crystal clear information then you will find here.

 

I think most people here have the right idea. I agree that it can stunt your growth if you do heavy weight training at a very early age. For example, check out some of those little ballet/acrobatic girls. They are only pure muscle. Ever wonder why they are all so damn small and look like little girls?? But besides the age thing i think it will indeed actually help you to grow!

 

Hi and thanks for all your advice again!

@Sarevok - haha, I do use search engines, but I really want to get advice from real, honest people like you guys