WeightLifting effect height?

Question

Does weightlifting decrease your height? I lift a little bit with my basketball team for a hour at practice,but its not like i lift A LOT, will it affect my growth?

Answer 1

No, I don't think so.

There seems to be quite a bit of controversy surrounding this. Some people (like health consultants) say that it does stunt your growth, while others (generally weightlifters) say it doesn't, and each have their own arguments about it. But there are some arguments that coincide:

(1) If you're weightlifting without proper instruction, (i.e. you're learning and performing weightlifting without certified supervision), then you're at risk of injuring yourself, and potentially stunting your growth. Even weightlifters agree that when weightlifting, having proper form, and correct techniques is crucial.

(2) Weightlifting a little bit with light weights, for an hour, a few times per week is safe and healthy.

(3) Prior to weightlifting, you should warm up and stretch. Then, following your workout, you should spend 5 - 10 minutes cooling down. All this is to further reduce the risk of injury.

From the description you provided, it sounds like weightlifting will benefit you. As long as you don't overly exert yourself while weightlifting, you should be fine. No guarantees, but it probably won't stunt your growth in your situation.

I've cited a couple of websites below if you're interested in reading more about whether or not weightlifting stunts growth. One supports the idea that weightlifting does not stunt growth, while the other refutes it. But I would take both articles with a grain of salt because neither response provides concrete evidence to support their claims: