{"id":14686,"date":"2025-07-15T16:46:32","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T09:46:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=14686"},"modified":"2025-07-15T16:46:32","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T09:46:32","slug":"does-lifting-weights-stunt-growth-in-kids-what-parents-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=14686","title":{"rendered":"Does Lifting Weights Stunt Growth in Kids? What Parents Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p data-start=\"177\" data-end=\"420\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-316952 aligncenter lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1109544599-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"649\" height=\"433\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-316952 aligncenter lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1109544599-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"649\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1109544599-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1109544599-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1109544599-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1109544599-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1109544599-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1109544599-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_1109544599-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 649px) 100vw, 649px\"\/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"177\" data-end=\"420\">A few weeks ago, I shared a short video of me <a href=\"https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/2025\/07\/how-i-got-started-with-strength-training\/\">deadlifting<\/a> in my home gym with my 3-year-old toddler next to me, copying me with his own little <a href=\"https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/2020\/01\/the-1-reason-to-lift-a-barbell\/\">barbell<\/a>. It was one of those sweet moments I can\u2019t help but share\u2014I just love those bonding moments.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"422\" data-end=\"553\">Soon after, a parent messaged me: <strong data-start=\"458\" data-end=\"553\">\u201cIs that actually safe? I\u2019ve always heard that weight training can stunt a child\u2019s growth.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"597\">And you know what? It\u2019s a valid concern.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"599\" data-end=\"694\">Because as parents, we want our kids to be active and healthy\u2014but we also want them to be safe.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"696\" data-end=\"858\">So let\u2019s talk about that concern. Where it comes from, what the science actually says, and what to look out for when it comes to resistance training for children.<\/p>\n<h2>Where Did the \u201cLifting Stunts Growth\u201d Myth Come From?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you grew up hearing that lifting weights too early could \u201cdamage your bones\u201d or \u201cmake you shorter,\u201d you\u2019re not alone. That belief has been around for a while.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But where did it actually come from?<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Part of it is linked to the fear of injuring something called the <strong data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1211\">growth plates<\/strong>\u2014areas of developing cartilage near the ends of children\u2019s bones, where bone growth happens. So naturally, the idea of loading weight onto a growing skeleton raised concerns.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1387\" data-end=\"1568\">Then there\u2019s the image of many Olympic weightlifters: short, powerful athletes who lift massive loads. It\u2019s easy to assume the sport made them that way\u2014but that\u2019s not what happened.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1570\" data-end=\"1698\">They\u2019re short because that body type gives them a mechanical advantage in the sport. Not because lifting stunted their growth.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1843\"><strong data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1712\">Fun fact<\/strong>: The all-time world record holder in snatch and clean and jerk, <strong data-start=\"1777\" data-end=\"1797\">Lasha Talakhadze<\/strong>, is a towering 6 feet 6 inches tall (197 cm).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1845\" data-end=\"1959\">The original concern comes from outdated assumptions and a misunderstanding of what actually causes growth issues.<\/p>\n<h2>What the Science Actually Says About Strength Training and Growth<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s start with the big one: <\/span><b>No, lifting weights does not stunt a child\u2019s growth.<\/b><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2130\" data-end=\"2324\">In fact, when done properly, resistance training has <strong data-start=\"2183\" data-end=\"2205\">no negative effect<\/strong> on bone development. On the contrary, it can actually <strong data-start=\"2260\" data-end=\"2323\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/2025\/05\/how-to-start-impact-training-at-any-age\/\">improve bone density<\/a>, coordination, and help prevent injury<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2326\" data-end=\"2443\">Especially as your child gets older, combining resistance training with other sports can reduce their risk of injury.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2445\" data-end=\"2476\">Here\u2019s what the research shows:<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"2478\" data-end=\"3117\">\n<li data-start=\"2478\" data-end=\"2633\">\n<p data-start=\"2480\" data-end=\"2633\">A review published in <em data-start=\"2502\" data-end=\"2514\">Pediatrics<\/em> concluded there is <strong data-start=\"2534\" data-end=\"2549\">no evidence<\/strong> that youth resistance training negatively affects growth plates or linear growth.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2634\" data-end=\"2800\">\n<p data-start=\"2636\" data-end=\"2800\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsca.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOooAfOq7PsDEhxOKBKVz0GGQKVBAxn92tHAge35S8Ykeib7w16PW\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong data-start=\"2640\" data-end=\"2697\">National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)<\/strong><\/a> states that youth strength training programs, when properly supervised, are <strong data-start=\"2774\" data-end=\"2797\">safe and beneficial<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2801\" data-end=\"2946\">\n<p data-start=\"2803\" data-end=\"2946\">The <strong data-start=\"2807\" data-end=\"2841\">American Academy of Pediatrics<\/strong> supports strength training for children, as long as the focus is on technique and not maximal weights.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2947\" data-end=\"3117\">\n<p data-start=\"2949\" data-end=\"3117\">A study in the <em data-start=\"2964\" data-end=\"3011\">Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research<\/em> found that injury rates in youth weight training are <strong data-start=\"3065\" data-end=\"3088\">significantly lower<\/strong> than in many popular sports.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How Safe Is Youth Weight Training, Really?<\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s take a look at injury rates per 1,000 hours of participation across different sports:<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Activity<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Injury Rate<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supervised Weight Training<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~0.7 injuries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gymnastics<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0.5 \u2013 1.3 injuries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soccer (Training)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3.7 \u2013 11.1 injuries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soccer (Games)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9.5 \u2013 48.7 injuries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basketball<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14 \u2013 22 injuries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Football<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5.7 \u2013 6.8 injuries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Turns out, <strong data-start=\"3691\" data-end=\"3773\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/2025\/01\/episode-153-longevity-training-to-lift-weight-not-to-lose-weight-with-niki-sims\/\">resistance training<\/a> is one of the safest physical activities your child can do<\/strong>\u2014when done right.<\/p>\n<h2>When Weight Training <em data-start=\"3823\" data-end=\"3828\">Can<\/em> Be a Concern for Kids<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3854\" data-end=\"3960\">So now that we\u2019ve busted the myth, let\u2019s talk about when weight training actually <em data-start=\"3936\" data-end=\"3941\">can<\/em> be risky for kids.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3962\" data-end=\"4005\">Like anything, it depends on how it\u2019s done.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4007\" data-end=\"4046\">Weight training becomes a problem when:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4047\" data-end=\"4273\">\n<li data-start=\"4047\" data-end=\"4083\">\n<p data-start=\"4049\" data-end=\"4083\">Kids lift weights <strong data-start=\"4067\" data-end=\"4083\">unsupervised<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4084\" data-end=\"4127\">\n<p data-start=\"4086\" data-end=\"4127\">No one checks their <strong data-start=\"4106\" data-end=\"4127\">form or technique<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4128\" data-end=\"4176\">\n<p data-start=\"4130\" data-end=\"4176\">They\u2019re pushed to lift <strong data-start=\"4153\" data-end=\"4176\">too heavy, too soon<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4177\" data-end=\"4219\">\n<p data-start=\"4179\" data-end=\"4219\">Equipment isn\u2019t <strong data-start=\"4195\" data-end=\"4219\">suited to their size<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4220\" data-end=\"4273\">\n<p data-start=\"4222\" data-end=\"4273\">There\u2019s no <strong data-start=\"4233\" data-end=\"4248\">progression<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"4252\" data-end=\"4273\">adequate recovery<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>But let\u2019s be honest\u2014that\u2019s not just true for kids. That\u2019s how adults get injured too. It seems lifting weights safely isn\u2019t about age\u2014it\u2019s about <strong data-start=\"4422\" data-end=\"4429\">how<\/strong> we train.<\/p>\n<h2>How to Make Strength Training Safe for Kids<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4498\" data-end=\"4548\">Here\u2019s how to keep it safe, smart, and beneficial:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4550\" data-end=\"4839\">\u2705 Supervision by someone educated in strength training techniques and progressions<br data-start=\"4632\" data-end=\"4635\"\/>\u2705 Focus on technique\u2014not the amount of weight<br data-start=\"4680\" data-end=\"4683\"\/>\u2705 Age-appropriate programming with proper rest<br data-start=\"4729\" data-end=\"4732\"\/>\u2705 Equipment that fits their body<br data-start=\"4764\" data-end=\"4767\"\/>\u2705 Keep it <strong data-start=\"4777\" data-end=\"4784\">fun<\/strong>, skill-based, and engaging\u2014especially for younger kids<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4841\" data-end=\"4990\">When those things are in place, lifting weights becomes not just safe\u2014it becomes a foundation for future movement skills and lifelong body awareness.<\/p>\n<h2>Why This Matters So Much for Parents<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5042\" data-end=\"5141\">Because we all want our kids to be strong, active, and confident. But we also want to protect them.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5143\" data-end=\"5241\">Instead of avoiding strength training or creating fear around it, let\u2019s teach them to do it right.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5243\" data-end=\"5394\">Because when it\u2019s done right, strength training doesn\u2019t just build muscle. It builds <strong data-start=\"5330\" data-end=\"5344\">resilience<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5346\" data-end=\"5360\">confidence<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"5366\" data-end=\"5393\">lifelong healthy habits<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5396\" data-end=\"5435\"><strong>And that\u2019s something worth lifting for. Wouldn\u2019t you agree?<\/strong><em> \u2014Marlene<\/em><\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p>References:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/publications.aap.org\/pediatrics\/article\/145\/6\/e20201011\/76942\/Resistance-Training-for-Children-and-Adolescents\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/publications.aap.org\/pediatrics\/article\/145\/6\/e20201011\/76942\/Resistance-Training-for-Children-and-Adolescents<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3483033\/\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3483033\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3418954\/\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3418954\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0949328X20301903\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0949328X20301903<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mmwr\/preview\/mmwrhtml\/mm5538a1.htm\" class=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mmwr\/preview\/mmwrhtml\/mm5538a1.htm<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/fitbottomedgirls.com\/2025\/07\/does-lifting-weights-stunt-growth-in-kids\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A few weeks ago, I shared a short video of me deadlifting in my home gym with my 3-year-old toddler next to me, copying me with his own little barbell. It was one of those sweet moments I can\u2019t help but share\u2014I just love those bonding moments. Soon after, a parent messaged me: \u201cIs that &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14686","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fitness"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14686","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14686"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14686\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14686"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14686"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14686"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}