Many doctors, athletes and coaches note the negative impact of strength sports - bodybuilding, powerlifting, weightlifting, strength extreme - on a person's height. Especially at the age of 14-18. However, there is also an alternative opinion on this score.
Scientific point of view
Engaging in strength sports slows down a person's growth, and in some cases, causes it to decrease. It is for this reason that young people under the age of 18 are not recommended to exercise with weights; emphasis should be placed on exercises with their own body weight.
The first reason for the negative effect is that proteins, amino acids and other nutrients entering the body begin to be consumed to increase muscle mass and develop a broad-boned skeleton, which is necessary to maintain a large body weight. In other words, the athlete's body begins to grow in width, not in height. Compounding the problem is the fact that many bodybuilders are malnourished and lack adequate amounts of vitamins, trace elements and nutrients. Simply increasing the amount of food consumed does not correct this deficiency.
The second reason is the compression of the vertebrae when doing barbell squats, lifting weights, and other exercises. It is this factor that causes a decrease in the natural growth of a person. For example, a series of heavy squats or deadlifts temporarily reduces height by 1 to 2 cm by compressing the intervertebral discs. To avoid the negative impact of weights on the spine, doctors recommend doing stretching exercises for the back, but only a few do them. In addition, various injuries and curvatures of the spine, manifested with improper exercise technique, slows down and even stops the natural growth process.
The third reason is that anabolic steroids, used by many athletes, often cause hormonal disruptions. While this has not been proven, disruption can negatively impact an athlete's growth.
Alternative opinion
On the other hand, people who are in love with sports, as a rule, do not have bad habits, lead a healthy lifestyle, and monitor their diet. All of these factors have a very positive effect on growth.
Some bodybuilders specifically perform various exercises to stimulate growth. These exercises include stretching the spine, jogging and swimming. An important factor is the use of an increased amount of vitamins and minerals.
There are many examples of famous bodybuilders having increased their height during the years of intense training. And among the bodybuilders with the name there are also tall representatives - Lou Ferrigno, Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Robinson.
