Will You Stop Growing If You Workout Before 18?

 

The appearance has become the most important asset for a person and height plays one of the major roles. It's true that before knowing the qualities of people, they are judged by their external appearance for their abilities.
Many people are unhappy with their height. But can we do anything about it? How does our body grow? What's the science behind it?
Before dropping to any conclusion, let's talk all about height science and its myths.

Which things determine your Height?

There are mainly two factors for it ー

1. Genetics: The easy answer is Genetics but that isn't quite the whole story. 60-80% of the height difference between people is due to Genetics.
2. Nutrition: Rest 20-40% is due to environmental factors like eating lifestyle, Nutrition, etc.

The reason why height stops increasing is Bones, especially "Growth Plates". The Growth Plates (or Epiphyseal Plates) are the areas of specialized Cartilage near the end of Long Bones.

An increase in height is primarily due to the lengthening of Long Bones, as the Growth Plates are still active or 'open'. But near the end of Puberty, Hormonal changes cause the Growth Plates to harden or 'close' and the lengthening of Bones to stop.

Is it possible to increase height after 18?

No, is it not possible to increase height after 18. There are some exceptions which we talk about later. For now, height increase depends on the fusion of Epiphysis, especially in the long bones which keeps increasing the length until a certain age.

This age differs according to Sex. Female stops growing earlier than Males.

• The maximum age for Girls is, on an average, 16 years.
• The maximum age for Boys is, on an average, 18 years.

True growth of Long Bones won't occur in most adults, some show daily variations in height. It is because of the slight compression of the Discs in the Spine.

ー Daily activities impact the Cartilage and Fluid in the Spine and cause slight reductions in height as the day progress. i.e. Compression and Decompression of the Discs in the Spine lead to small changes in height.

Do exercises and techniques help in height growth?

Exercises and Techniques promising to increase height as an Adult are not supported by Science. 

They may lead to small temporary changes in height due to Spine disc's Compression and Decompression but these effects are not lasting.

Is weight training before adulthood good or bad?

Yes, it is good and does not stop height. It is safe and beneficial at all ages under properly supervised.
Why most people concern about height before adulthood is because of the risk of Growth Plates damage as it is active before 18.

Exceptions in increasing height after 18

There are certain rare cases regarding height ー

1. If the Growth Plates remain past age 18 to 20, which is uncommon, height could continue to increase.
2. Some suffer from Gigantism, which causes excessive growth due to too much Growth Hormone (GH) production. But their height increase only around age 22.
3. Acromegaly is a condition where bones are started to increase in width when their Growth Plates are closed.

TL;DR

Since, you may not be able to increase your height as an adult, all you can do is keep on healthy living and complete the deficiencies of Nutrients. 

For those who are below 18 can still go for bright progress but you need to do few things to maximize the height potential.

• Make sure you are eating enough, complete the deficiency of Vitamins and Minerals.
• Nutrients are necessary for Bone Health so don't skip to eat Fruits and Vegetables.
• Eat proper Protein and do exercise on regular basis.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy

Thank you

Categories: Science Behind