can weights stunt your growth?

[silverdale5]

right then, i am small for my age i am 14 and i lift weights every night and i am just wondering if it would stunt my growth. please answer if you can. I dont want links to websites THANKS

[Scarlett]

er... why should weights stunt your growth? They should improve your muscle tone, thats all. I guess you are doing it cos you want bigger arms etc. That will all come with age- everyone is small at 14.

[caz21]

Nah, its a myth! its possibly said because at 14 you are still growing and are possibly doing more harm than good though! Most gyms have a 16 and above policy for similar reasons! and being small for your age isn't a bad thing we all come in different shapes and sizes! just a suggestion but maybe you should think about working on them less frequently because i believe i've read that having a day or two in between work outs helps muscle tissue grow at a better stronger rate! (don't quote me though i'm sure someone will be along who knows though!) good luck whatever!

[silverdaler]

i dont want you to grow too quick - i have to buy your clothes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(he's my son !)

[Octavius]

Hmm, did you ask this Q a couple of weeks ago?

There is alot of stuff on the web about this concern, but I really do think it is mostly a myth. I am sure that in some cases people who weightlift might grow up to be shorter, but then there are many short people in the world who don't weightlift. Similarly there are lots of tall people who weightlift and have been doing for years.

I don't think there is any correlation between weightlifting and stunted growth so I would just concentrate on training safely and within your limitations.

[danger!!]

Alright mate I waz small for my age and have been training since the age of 13, be careful how much you lift concentrate on strength doing high reps low weight and once you get older and bigger then work on heavier weights for bulking up.
If you do too much to soon your body will suffer with injuries and tears in the muscle and yes growth!
Do chin ups and plenty of body weight exercises this will pay off in the long run and condition your body making you very strong and ready for heavy weights.
And eat more! toast is ideal, before ya go to bed so your stomachs got some thing to work on at night
Hope this helps let me know how you get on and if you need any advice on training.
Its worked for me and still don’t know any one that can beat me on wide arm chin ups!

[Porque_Jorge]

Yeah be careful, lifting weights eveynight, you should take breask to let your muscles rest and REPAIR.

[silverdaler]

thankyou all (on his behalf) - for your advice.I'm sure he will find it useful. (yes he has posted it before because it is a big deal to him)

I (his mum) am only 4 ft 11, so he blames me for his lack of height. he is very fit though, plays a lot of football. He is growing though, albeit slowly.