weight training

[silverdaler]

my 14 yr old son is (at the moment) small for his age - about four inches smaller than his friends ( I am only 4ft 11" though). There is a bit of a craze going round in the schools at the moment for building a 'six-pack' and biceps. he is very fit anyway - plays football every day and for a team. One of his friends has told him that using weights will stunt his growth, so now he is worried. he reads answerbank often, so i told him that i will ask if anyone can advise him.

thankyou

[Octavius]

Some opinions here:

http://www.nutritionalsupplements.com/trainingQ24.html

and

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/growthandmetabolism/203142.html

and lastly...

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/hale4.htm

[hopalong]

Children grow at different rates. At 14 he's is still growing. If he's fit and healthy then I wouldn't worry. If your are only 4"11 then it maybe genetic. How tall is is dad? Using weights wont stunt his growth. If you are concerned have a word with his doctor

[silverdale5]

his dad is 5"9

[silverdale5]

thanks for your replies - and a big thank you octavius for the hyperlinks - very interesting - kind of you to go to so much trouble

[Octavius]

You're welcome.

I must admit when I first read your Q I thought it was a joke or something along the lines of an old wives tale. However, on looking around I found that it was quite a �real� issue and therefore included advice aimed at children & parents from personal accounts, medical practitioners and weightlifting organisations. I hope it helps.

[silverdaler]

yes octavius, it does sound odd, but is serious (to my son anyway), he was really pleased with your reply and immediately went on to the links, thanks again.y