Does Lifting Weights Stunt Progress in Children? What Dad and mom Must Know

Just a few weeks in the past, I shared a brief video of me deadlifting in my dwelling fitness center with my 3-year-old toddler subsequent to me, copying me together with his personal little barbell. It was a type of candy moments I can’t assist however share—I simply love these bonding moments.

Quickly after, a guardian messaged me: “Is that truly protected? I’ve at all times heard that weight coaching can stunt a toddler’s progress.”

And you realize what? It’s a legitimate concern.

As a result of as dad and mom, we wish our children to be lively and wholesome—however we additionally need them to be protected.

So let’s discuss that concern. The place it comes from, what the science really says, and what to look out for in relation to resistance coaching for youngsters.

The place Did the “Lifting Stunts Progress” Fantasy Come From?

For those who grew up listening to that lifting weights too early might “injury your bones” or “make you shorter,” you’re not alone. That perception has been round for some time.

However the place did it really come from?

A part of it’s linked to the concern of injuring one thing known as the progress plates—areas of creating cartilage close to the ends of kids’s bones, the place bone progress occurs. So naturally, the thought of loading weight onto a rising skeleton raised considerations.

Then there’s the picture of many Olympic weightlifters: brief, highly effective athletes who carry large masses. It’s simple to imagine the game made them that means—however that’s not what occurred.

They’re brief as a result of that physique kind offers them a mechanical benefit within the sport. Not as a result of lifting stunted their progress.

Enjoyable truth: The all-time world document holder in snatch and clear and jerk, Lasha Talakhadze, is a towering 6 toes 6 inches tall (197 cm).

The unique concern comes from outdated assumptions and a misunderstanding of what really causes progress points.

What the Science Truly Says About Energy Coaching and Progress

Let’s begin with the massive one: No, lifting weights doesn’t stunt a toddler’s progress.

The truth is, when performed correctly, resistance coaching has no adverse impact on bone improvement. Quite the opposite, it will probably really improve bone density, coordination, and assist forestall damage.

Particularly as your baby will get older, combining resistance coaching with different sports activities can cut back their threat of damage.

Right here’s what the analysis reveals:

• A overview revealed in Pediatrics concluded there’s no proof that youth resistance coaching negatively impacts progress plates or linear progress.

• The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) states that youth energy coaching packages, when correctly supervised, are protected and helpful.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics helps energy coaching for youngsters, so long as the main target is on method and never maximal weights.

• A examine within the Journal of Energy and Conditioning Analysis discovered that damage charges in youth weight coaching are considerably decrease than in lots of widespread sports activities.

How Protected Is Youth Weight Coaching, Actually?

Let’s check out damage charges per 1,000 hours of participation throughout totally different sports activities:

Seems, resistance training is likely one of the most secure bodily actions your baby can do—when performed proper.

When Weight Coaching Can Be a Concern for Children

So now that we’ve busted the parable, let’s discuss when weight coaching really can be dangerous for teenagers.

Like something, it depends upon the way it’s performed.

Weight coaching turns into an issue when:

• Children carry weights unsupervised

• Nobody checks their type or method

• They’re pushed to carry too heavy, too quickly

• Gear isn’t suited to their measurement

• There’s no development or satisfactory restoration

However let’s be trustworthy—that’s not simply true for teenagers. That’s how adults get injured too. It appears lifting weights safely isn’t about age—it’s about how we prepare.

The best way to Make Energy Coaching Protected for Children

Right here’s find out how to preserve it protected, good, and helpful:

✅ Supervision by somebody educated in energy coaching strategies and progressions
✅ Give attention to method—not the quantity of weight
✅ Age-appropriate programming with correct relaxation
✅ Gear that matches their physique
✅ Preserve it enjoyable, skill-based, and interesting—particularly for youthful youngsters

When these issues are in place, lifting weights turns into not simply protected—it turns into a basis for future motion expertise and lifelong physique consciousness.

Why This Issues So A lot for Dad and mom

As a result of all of us need our children to be sturdy, lively, and assured. However we additionally need to shield them.

As a substitute of avoiding energy coaching or creating concern round it, let’s educate them to do it proper.

As a result of when it’s performed proper, energy coaching doesn’t simply construct muscle. It builds resilience, confidence, and lifelong wholesome habits.

And that’s one thing price lifting for. Wouldn’t you agree? —Marlene

References:

https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/145/6/e20201011/76942/Resistance-Training-for-Children-and-Adolescents

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3483033/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3418954/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0949328X20301903

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5538a1.htm