i dont think its an issue. height is a genetic factor and there are many studies out there that say bodybuilding does not affect one's height or stunt growth.

HOWEVER if the person is below 13 years of age... heavy weight lifting can cause the growth plates in ur bones to close early... causing this "stunted growth".

I started bodybuilding at age 15 and dont think I have issues with my height... both my parents are short anyways so I could just be genetically short too, not cos of weights.

i think the number one issue of youth bodybulding is not stunted growth.... but teens tend to be very gung-ho and enthusiastic about training, and this paired with ego + improper training techniques + inssufficient knowledge can be a recipe for injury. so go slow, do your research and dont be afraid to ask questions.

i said below 13.
since you are 15 you should be fine. Arnold and Lou Ferrigno began lifting at about age 14 and they both are over 6 feet tall!
im sorry if i didnt give a good explaination/elaboration about the fusion of growth plates. this happens when the young athlete is repetitively training at max weight (1RM) over a long period of time. Also... more significantly than the weight training itself... premature steroid use is more responsible for stunted growth and closure of growth plates (excessive [foreign]testosterone levels in teens will halt the growing process and cause growth plates to fuse early), and i believe that this is the main reason why bodybuilding was given a bad rep fo stunting growth. steroid abuse was the larger reason behind it but people had to blame the sport and training instead.

fyi... running and jumping and sports like football and basketball puts stress and force on your joints as well, and believe it or not these sports can be MORE detrimental to children and teens compared to weightlifting or bodybuilding. (check out my 4th link at the bottom) Compression forces in running and jumping can exceed 5 times your bodyweight. So you tell me how it that "better" than weightlifting? You're not gonna squat 5 times ur bodyweight, are you?

and yuan has a very good point too. at a young age is very easy to become over-enthusiastic and want to show off a little... overestimating yourself and resulting in injuries.


here are a few articles that may help clear any further Qs you might have. please do take the time to read them in detail, and i hope you find them beneficial.

http://bodybuilding.about.com/od/bodybuild...stuntgrowth.htm
http://www.scoobysworkshop.com/MythStuntGrowth.htm
http://www.teenbodybuilding.com/derek42.htm
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/hale4.htm


In my third link.... it is mentioned that children as young as six years old can safely participate in strength training programs (Washington, 2001). BUT sound follow a sensible training program, and NOT the "no pain no gain" regime we are so accustomed to performing.... and should also NEVER perform 1RM lifts.

i hope this helps

This post has been edited by LadyVanity: Aug 21 2010, 02:11 PM

im sorry i didnt see this.

i can relate to your condition... i have a mild case of functional scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine) and my posture when i sit relaxed is also somewhat slouched sideways or senget.

BUT i was diagnosed only very recently, less than a year ago. i began lifting at age 15 (form 3) and had no problems back then. before being so quick to blame weight training... maybe you should look back on your everyday life and assess what else could've caused the curved spine? my case - i've used slingbags and carry my backpack, handbags and gym bags (heavy ones) with only one shoulder for many years. i also have a habit of standing somewhat "senget" with one shoulder pushed behind. so this is very likely to be the main cause behind my bent spine. NOT weight training. many people have this but do not realise it until much later. scoliosis can also occur from birth.

other than the imbalance and occasional difficulties in training (one side weaker than the other) there is no extreme pain or discomfort... and no obvious physical abnormality.

as a matter of fact weight training can help with the correction of a bent spine, when done carefully


i think what you REALLY should be worried about concerning your back and spine with weight training is a herniated disk or slipped disk. its one of the commonest injuriesamong bodybuilders.... but can easily be avoided by training smart and incorporating strict form and technique

you could see a doctor or chiropractor, if you're really concerned about scoliosis. you can even have a brace made for you to correct the condition, but in my opinion if theres no discomfort or pain you're fine. if it doesnt bother you, you dont have any severe weakness, walking/sleeping abnormalities or difficulties, fine.

im not seeking any medical or proffesional treatment for mine apart from the deep tissue i go for every 2 weeks. my scoliosis is in the upper back - neck area so apart from some soreness and stiffness from time to time it doesnt bother me. i train the same way too, except for the occasional extra set for my weaker side... and i consciously try to make myself sit straight all the time... i get up to stretch when ive been at the pc for long... straighten my body every now and then whn i drive (tend to sit senget).... etc

try to switch your bag around to the other side... or get a backpack and use BOTH straps

how often do u hv these pains? r they more of muscular aches that happen after training? sometimes laying off for a little while and having some plain old R&R helps

hey i understand ur predicament. im on a low budget too but sometimes u just need to spend that lil extra for the sake of ur body and taking care of it. i learned the hard way. now whn it comes to rehab n therapy i dont stinge on it. if u suspect u hv an injury, get it checked out and take good care of it.

umm.... either that men have it easy... or....
i dono lor but im below 25% and DONT have a six pack.....

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Added on September 4, 2010, 8:08 pmim concerned especially since u said whenever u try to lift...... :S
it cld be wrong lifting techniques or even posture. try to work n that first and see what happens?

sorry i dont know of any specialists that might b "cheap".... my therapist is in ukay heights and costs rm250/hour. but i think for small small problems like a lil soreness n pain its not necessary.

This post has been edited by LadyVanity: Sep 4 2010, 08:08 PM

BLERGH. lowest ive been is 15%... and all i have is flat tummy. no packs. and even that % is hard to achieve

thank you... yeah its very hard to mantain too! practically starving and hungry all the time....
most of the time im around 18-20% but its ugly cos im big for a gal... so with all that fat sitting on top of the muscles i look very bloated and fatty. especially the arms.