man olympic style lift competition

Teenagers Weightlifting – Does It Actually Stunt Growth?

Does weightlifting stunt a teenager’s growth? First, the risk concerns parents about how weightlifting affects a child’s growth.

It is a common myth that working out and weightlifting stunts a child’s growth, but no evidence-based science supports weightlifting stunting a teenager’s growth. But there are several health benefits of weightlifting early if done correctly. The key is to seek a balanced approach that does not include packing on muscles quickly.

Impact On Our Body

Lifting heavy and building big muscles can stress young muscles, tendons, and bones. So we need the proper techniques for weightlifting to avoid the risks. Instead, kids should lift light weights and gradually build their strength with age.

If you are doing it correctly under the proper supervision of experts, you can prevent risks and have health benefits. Also, it will reduce concerns and fears that weightlifting stunts a teenager’s growth.

  • A proper workout routine can increase muscle strength and endurance.
  • Strengthening muscles and joints prevent injuries.
  • Weightlifting improves motor skill performances like running and jumping.
  • Improve mental health and alertness with resistance training.
  • Increase a child’s ability to thrive in any sport, from soccer to basketball.
  • Strengthen bones.
  • Promote healthy blood pressure, lowers bad cholesterol, and help to manage blood sugar levels.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and a healthy body composition.
  • It enhances the child’s self-esteem and confidence.
barbell olympic style equipment competition

How to do it in the right way?

We must follow some steps safely to prevent risks and disadvantages and get all of its benefits. But unfortunately, science does not support weightlifting stunting a teenager’s growth, drama, injuries, stress, or a different matter.

Supervision of a professional:

Ensure that the child works out under the supervision of a professional trainer or coach with experience training youngsters. A professional trainer can design a safe and effective workout plan according to age and strengths on an individualized level.

Do the basics when starting:

We suggest that children start with basic exercises like pushups and body squats to perform weightlifting safely.

Keep it slow:

When you are young, it is necessary to keep it slow, lift light weights, and gradually build your strength before moving towards heavy lifting.

Know your goals:

The goals should not be building more muscles and mass early but improving strength and endurance. Therefore, fitness trainers and coaches should design training programs for youngsters according to their age and size to reduce fears that weightlifting stunts a teenager’s growth.

Keep it enjoyable:

To promote healthy activities like strength training among kids, it is necessary to keep them fun and not get bored. So keep it light on kids and don’t put extra pressure so they can enjoy the process.

Right Age to Start

According to science, there is no specific age to decide the correct period to lift, and we should do it individually, not just by age. In addition, science does not support weightlifting stunting a teenager’s growth. Thus, the correct period to start is when the kid can understand the instructions and follow the rules to learn new exercises.

The Last Word on Teenagers’ Weightlifting

Teenagers should focus on a balanced approach that includes supplements that provide vitamins and nutrients they miss in meals and a balanced diet that includes foods from the major food groups. They should avoid some of the best diets for weight loss and muscle gain because of their developmental stage.

Instead, teenagers should focus on good eating and exercise while staying hydrated to achieve fitness goals. While teenagers can perform weightlifting, it should not be their only form of exercise. If you or someone you know is looking to improve your health, share this article on Facebook or Twitter so that others can learn more about self-care.

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