We accept that some workouts affect height gain to a min extent. But does gyming stop height growth? Is it a total misunderstanding that exercising in the gym stunts height growth seriously? Keep scrolling to get the answer for clearing out this myth.
Why do people believe that gym stops height growth?
Let’s return to 1964 in Japan, where this myth started!
Researchers pointed out that children who worked hard during their growing years come to be short in height. Their explanation is when children are growing, joining physically extreme work may hurt their growth plates and make them close sooner, thereby stunting the growth process. But researchers failed to consider one important factor; the huge malnourishment among Japanese children at that time. It is said that this is the major cause of their short frame.
Unfortunately, articles and magazines at that time kept mentioning bad gym effects on height as well as chitchatting with their friends, making this myth more popular.
So, do you stop growing if you go to the gym?
Many still reckon that exercising in the gym affects the chance of their growth plates to function. It is because there are heavy vertical impact exercises in the gym, which often lead to confusion about hindering height growth.
But no scientific study or evidence is supporting this gym myth.
So, if you exercise at the gym properly, just feel assured that your body will be trained for health and endurance, as well as no bad effect on height. However, if performing in the wrong way, children and teens in the growing age group will deal with the danger of damaging the growth plate.
15-30% of fractures in children relate to this cartilage plate since this area is softer and more susceptible than others. That is why it can be damaged by external influences. But that does not mean that teens in puberty should limit gymnastics for strength training simply because they might damage the growth plates. There are always safe gym exercises for children under 18 as long as they know how to do them at a moderate intensity and with the right technique and guidance.
The truth is that if you follow properly designed workouts at the gym, you get benefits, like lowering sports injury rates and fracture damage, promoting bone strength and endurance, and supporting mental health for a healthy lifestyle.
A couple of notes to work out properly at the gym
Make sure to follow the notes mentioned below to encourage the benefits of gym exercises.
- Do warm-up exercises to make the body more flexible as well as prevent undesirable injuries during exercise.
- Aside from selecting the proper exercise, you should pay attention to the right technique, or your body might face the risk of injury.
- Avoid maintaining an extreme exercise intensity. In addition to setting a suitable workout schedule, you should have a certain amount of rest to allow your bones and muscles to relax, recover, and grow.
- Consume a balanced and nutritious diet to support your exercise regime. Ensure to add enough protein, dairy products, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Set a healthy lifestyle by maintaining physical activities, sleeping enough 7-8 hours every night, limiting alcohol, avoiding using stimulants, etc.
What is the suitable age to join a gym?
Our body spends through many changes from the time we are born until reaching puberty. But at the age of 17 to 18, the body starts becoming mature to perform vigorous exercises at the gym. Although there is no factor for determining the right age for joining the gym, it is suggested that you should visit it at 18+. And remember to find yourself a well-qualified trainer. He/she will design and suggest safe and proper exercise for your body.
Nowadays, you easily catch kids as young as 14-15 years old exercising at the gym. But it seems to be a fashion trend rather than a fitness regime. Moreover, gym owners allow them to work out to increase profits. At this age, stressing the body at the gym makes no sense since all they need is good nutrition. It is fine for them to do light workouts at the gym to be fit, yet make sure to avoid deadlifts or weighted squats until 17.
Does weightlifting stop height growth?
The truth is that children during their growing years, whose height is still increasing by genetic factors, should not involve the heaviest weights in their workout training. Instead, they should enjoy the benefits of performing their favorite exercise with proper guidance. Also, do not miss some tips below to lift weights safely.
Give the body time to strengthen its strength
Lifting heavy weights for the first time is not an overnight thing. The best thing is to start with moderate weights and do it slowly. This is more beneficial than trying weights that are so heavy, making the musculoskeletal system prone to damage.
Do not focus on getting “big” when lifting weights
Children should not lift weights with the desire to promote muscle mass and tone muscles. Note that weightlifting helps to promote the growth of muscle tissues and improve overall fitness.
Do not weightlift at a young age
As mentioned above, teens under 17 should be careful when lifting weights. In case they want to train, make sure to have a personal trainer to help them perform the correct technique.
How about squats? Do squats make you shorter?
Most gym people must have done squats in the gym since this exercise is essential for the lower body and overall development of the legs. Moreover, it helps improve posture, making a person stand straight and tall. But if you are using an excessive amount of weight while squatting, it will bring a lot of pressure on your intervertebral fibrocartilage, affecting your posture in the long run badly.
To sum up,
We hope you have totally understood every aspect which we tried to explain above. And remember that if you are still in your growing years, make sure you are supervised by a well-trained coach when you want to join a gym. Generally, exercising in the gym is good for health in adulthood and has no issues with height reduction as supposed.
