Many teenagers hit the gym hoping to improve their health, but are worried about its effect on their height. So, can working out stunt your growth? Let’s find out!
1. Does Gymming Make You Shorter?
Does gymming affect height? This is a common concern, as some believe that lifting weights can interfere with bone growth and harm the growth plates. However, science offers a different perspective. Genetics plays a major role in determining height, accounting for about 80% of the factors, while nutrition and exercise make up the remaining 20%.
So, the idea that gymming can make you shorter is a myth! Not only does working out not hinder the development of cartilage at the ends of bones, but it can also stimulate height growth when done right.
2. Gymming During Puberty: Will It Affect My Height?
Good news for teens—working out during puberty won’t stunt your growth! Go ahead and try strength training or endurance exercises without worrying about your height. Of course, it’s always a good idea to have adult supervision or a qualified trainer to guide you.
Besides promoting height growth, gymming during puberty offers other health benefits too:
- Increased bone strength and Bone Strength Index (BSI)
- Reduced risk of bone fractures and injuries
- Establishment of a healthy habit for life
3. Height-Boosting Gym Exercises
Roman Chair Leg Raise
The Roman chair leg raise is a dual-purpose exercise that targets your abdominal muscles and supports pelvic bone development, keeping your spine in proper alignment, which is essential for height growth. This exercise requires specialized gym equipment.
How to do it:
- Lean back against the pad and step into the chair.
- Grip the handles and use your strength to pull yourself up.
- Pull your knees towards your chest while contracting your abs.
- Lower your legs and repeat.
Pull-Ups
Pull-ups are a great way to stretch your spine and stimulate growth plates, focusing the effort on your back, arms, and chest.
How to do it:
- Grip the bar with palms facing away from you.
- Pull yourself up until your chin is above the bar.
- Hold for 3-5 seconds, then lower yourself without touching the ground. Repeat.
Push-Ups
Push-ups are a simple, equipment-free exercise that burns excess fat and builds muscle.
- Start in a plank position with hands shoulder-width apart and your body forming a straight line.
- Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor, bending your elbows.
- Push yourself back up and repeat.
Now you know that gymming during puberty won’t hinder your height growth and can offer several health benefits. Stay fit and keep growing!
Source: Hellobacsi.com