Weight Training Stunt Growth Myth
Physical activities are one of the essential keys to live the well-rounded health and overall fitness. Weight lifting is a common type of strength training utilizing the force of gravity by moving the weight oppose to the gravity. Although weight lifting benefits many people, a person may be concerned about the effects of weight lifting for young teenagers.
One of the biggest myths about weight lifting is that it stunts growth, in other words, injury or discomfort in the epiphyseal plate, often known as growth plate. Numerous articles and researches about weight lifting effect on fully developed adults have been written but often times, weightlifting article for teenagers is neglected. The purpose of this paper
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According to WebMD, any kinds of activity boost bone mass and keep muscles strong ("8 biggest benefits of exercise for teenagers", n.d.). Since bones are living tissue, physical activities that keep on your feet allow new bone tissues and muscle tissues to form ("How does physical activity help build healthy bones?", n.d).
Despite the health benefits of physical training, one of the greatest concerns correlated with teenager training is the potential injury in growth plate while weight lifting. Growth plate in a young teenager’s body can be three to five times weaker than surrounding connective tissues and it may be less resistant to shear and tension forces (Faigenbaum, & Myer, 2009). When there is a significant amount of stress on the growth plate, it could result in growth disturbance ("8 biggest benefits of exercise for teenagers",
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When a youth is well-supervised during the process of strength training, it has no greater risk than any other youth sports or activities (Dahab, & McCambridge, 2009). There have been several cases of injury to the growth plate during the process of weight lifting but the injuries were caused by improper techniques or pushing themselves with heavy weights without proper adult supervision. For example, as seen below in Figure 1, 13-year-old boy used heavy weight barbell attempting overhead press but as he lost control, it resulted in injury in distal radius where growth cartilage is present (Faigenbaum, & Myer,
Duff, John F. Youth Sports Injuries. A Medical Handbook for Parents and Coaches. New York: MacMillan, 1992. (pp.
The focus of this paper is mechanically and automatically break down the deadlift. It focuses on the four phases of the deadlift (The lift off, pull through, the lockout, and the lowering phase) as well as the muscles involved in lifting and lowering the load. The sole purpose of the deadlift is for health and fitness. It is a core lift that works nearly every muscle in the body. Muscles from the lower and upper extremities will go through a period of flexion and extension when moving through the phases. The deadlift should be performed safely, and with proper form to avoid injury. This paper shows and demonstrates the proper form of the deadlift. There are also a number of forces acting on the load and the athlete. Gravity and external forces will be an active part of lifting the load. Images and tables are provided in the paper to better understand the movements and muscles used when performing the deadlift.
Spot reduction is too good to be true, and if you think that solely doing bench presses is going to make you lose weight and build muscle, you're in for an unpleasant surprise. Bench presses can strengthen your chest muscles underneath the fat, but won't reduce the fat. You're better of taking on a full-body weight-loss routine that includes a healthy diet, cardio and strength training. With consistency, you can have that often desired masculine physique. (See References 1, p. 8)
Jeffers, N. (n.d.). Training youths for a sound future in athletics. Intensity Magazine. Retrieved March 17, 2004, from http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/inmag51.htm
It has long been thought that lifting weights at a very young age could stunt a child's growth, but more recent research has found that to be an inaccurate assumption. Dr. Na’ana Constantini was asked if lifting could stunt growth and his response was “ Lifting weights is not dangerous for teenagers if done correctly, with weights up to five kilos or so. It can do them good, by improving their motor ability” (qtd. in Siegel). I agree with this quote, but I feel that the weight mentioned is too broad. A weight of five kilos is only a little over eleven pounds, which would be appropriate for some teens, but the limit to lifting should not be set by age but rather by physical maturity. “ The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids avoid advanced use of weights such as in competitive sports of weightlifting, powerlifting and bodybuilding until their bodies
Furthermore, exercising can boost anyone's and everyone's confidence as a person. Teens care about their appearance, so the benefits that comes with exercising can help the teen's body standards. In the article, "Why Exercise May Do a Teenage Mind Good", the author Patti Neighmond states, "...researchers found that teenagers who took part in organized sports had a more positive self-image and greater self-esteem than teens who were not physically active" (10). Because teens focus more on their appearance, a good way to process to stay physically active and not to be inactive is exercising, exercising doesn't even have to involve weights or that much time out of teens days; it could be a class they might take, a game console such as a Wii, a sport they enjoy, or even walking to school and back home. Exercising, sports, or even running errands are all ways to stay active. Many teens stay indoors being
Gabboth, Tim. "Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins). Feb2012, Vol. 26 Issue 2, P487-491. 5p." N.p., n.d. Web.
Evidence of lifting weights can be traced back to the origins of man. As far back as cave painting and scrolls, there exists evidence of weightlifting. Initially as an expression of strength, to competition and functional training, weightlifting has carved its path through the ages. It has taken on a new role in the modern world; athletic training. With an entirely new emphasis in sports on speed, strength, and flexibility; weightlifting is more popular than ever. Unfortunately, young athletes often do more harm than good by injuring themselves lifting. When these uneducated lifters try to jump right into a program, lifting more than they should, an injury is imminent. What is overlooked, is that when weightlifting is done correctly, it has a great potential to prevent injuries instead of cause them. Understanding how the body works, using proper technique on the appropriate lifts, and participating in regular physical activity can greatly reduce the risk of athletic injuries.
Many people look for an activity that will better themselves, weightlifting is the greatest activity in the world for such a goal. Weightlifting has so many benefits to it and it can improve the quality of life for anyone who can do it. Weightlifting is one of the activities that, in conjunction with other exercise and proper diet, will improve overall health, physical performance, and mentality.The health benefits that come from weightlifting are numerous and immense. Weightlifting increases muscle strength and it increases bone density as well. Increase in bone density is one of the most beneficial side effects yielded by weightlifting. Not only does strength training increase your physical work capacity, Strength workouts will raise your
A majority of these Injuries are very easy to eliminate when decisions are made based upon the athletes wellbeing along with long term health. When the proper safety measures are taken instead of what will make the athlete the best around in that sport are implemented, children will be able to enjoy sports safely again. Overuse Injuries While the benefits of children being active is an essential component to a healthy lifestyle, excessive workouts can do more damage to the athlete then actual gain. Overuse injuries are the most frequent type of injury a child receives while participating in sports and are caused by the repetitive microtrauma to a body part during the activity (O’Connor). Compared to everyday activities, sports place large amounts of pressure on precise areas of the children's body repetitively and with higher contact speeds which produce greater joint contact.
When an athlete or a normal person that got into an auto accident is faced with an injury weight training and physical therapy will be needed to get that person ready for the next season. For example, squats and leg press will strengthen a person’s knee and legs if they have torn their
Many people are now more preoccupied with their bodies than other things. Consequently, many men and women are willing to invest their time and money just to exercise their body so as to improve their looks. Most of them are turning to crossfit workout routines which aim at muscle strengthening and conditioning. Here is close look at the crossfit workout and why it may do wonders for you.
Manoel, Mateus E; Harris-Love, Michael OAuthor Information; Danoff, Jerome VAuthor Information; Miller, Todd AAuthor Information. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research; Champaign Vol. 22, Iss. 5, (Sep 2008): 1528-34.
Paddock, Catharine. "Young Athletes: Injuries And Prevention." Medical News Today. MediLexicon International Ltd, 9 Aug. 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2013.
A lot of people are trying to build muscles in their body by working out. They work out by lifting heavy weights. However, when working out to building muscle, one needs to consume healthy foods and more proteins. After finishing a workout, the muscles in the body have microscopic tears to form in the fiber and connective tissues. This will cause the muscles to be tired and damaged. To repair the muscle, consume healthy foods and more protein. When one get enough foods in the body, the muscles will use the nutrients from the foods consumed and slowly rebuild, resulting in muscles in the body to increase size, strength, and muscle capacity. When I was in grade 9, I started to lift weight and I was new to it. After a few days of working out my body was experiencing any change. I realized that the reason my body was not experiencing change is because of what I was eating. I was not eating much protein and healthy foods. Later I started to eat foods that contain high protein and then I started to experience change, my muscles were getting bigger and stronger. Foods that contain high in protein can help to build muscles such as cottage cheese, chicken breast, whole eggs, canned tuna, etc. So therefore, having enough protein is the main key in order to build