Squats

[usama92]

I am 15 years old and have been working out for a few months now.
I have heard that squats are excellent exercises for improving strength and muscle size but have also heard that i shouldnt be doing squats at this age while im still growing because they could result in stunting growth/ hieght.


Is this true??

[Boss Man]

I would say yes and no.

They do cause potentially some spinal compression, which if your Bones aren't fully developed, which yours won't be until you're 17/18, then that might be a slight problem.

However you could just change BB or Smith Squats, for something like Two or one Handed Dumbbell Squats, to keep the regular Squat technique, but without any weight loadbearing on the upper Back.

Hopefully that makes sense.

[swanso5]

yes for squats

no for growth stunting

[benjamteal]

Agreed. I was doing heavy squats at 15/16 years old, and was able to build muscle fairly easily. It is now many years later, and I am a little over average height, and about the same height as father and brother.

So I am going to say no on the growth stunting and yes on the muscle building.