Supplements & Performance Enhancers / Question
Published: June 20, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 14 1/2 . I started weight training 6 months before my 14th birthday and then when I turned 14 a weight lifter helped me get bigger, stronger and all. I was 5'7" and now I still am. I used to do the leg presses, but now after a couple of months I don't anymore, same goes for military presses. Every so often I am stiff and achy in the elbows, I am so worried that I have stunted my growth, I don't think I have, still I need some help here. Besides giving up weight lifting, what might I do? I want to be huge (muscular) but not a midget. Is there any drug that you can take to cause bone development? Please help?
Signed: Drug For Bone Development
Dear Drug For Bone Development,
Lifting very heavy weights at a young age can cause pre-mature growth plate closure (see Weight Lifting & Stunted Growth - In Detail), but it is not a common occurrence. Judging by what you have written there is nothing that would suggest that your growth has been stunted. Adolescence is a time of rapid, sometimes unpredictable change and development. The fact that you have not gained height in the last six months does not necessarily mean anything. Sometimes growth comes in spurts that are separated by extended periods of time. At 14 there is a strong likelihood that you will gain a few more inches before you complete puberty.
Most weight lifting injuries are due to improper lifting technique or lack of proper instruction. There is the possibility that you injured your elbows from working out and that is what is causing the pain is that you are experiencing. If you are having discomfort in your elbows then you should consult with your doctor on how to correct the problem. Most of the time the solution is rest and strengthening exercises. There ere medications that are used for bone development, but they are only used with youngsters with genetic or serious medical disorders.
Adolescents can safely participate in weight lifting; they just have to avoid power lifting, competitive lifting and maximum lifts. You should use relatively lightweights and do 2-3 sets of no more than 15 repetitions. You should also try to limit your workouts to 3, half-hour sessions per week.
It is important to learn the basics of weight training from a qualified instructor and get medical clearance from your doctor before you begin. Learning the proper technique will help you avoid future injuries associated with weight training. Your instructor can also give you pointers for getting the most out of your workout. Check with your school, many physical education teachers are qualified in this area.
If you would like to check with a doctor before you resume your training, and you live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health at 973.889.6350 for an appointment.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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