Is lifting weights dangerous for teens?

Answer 1

It depends how mature the 13 year old is, but at this age a lot of growing is happening, and the bones tend to be softer, so i would recommend lifting not heavy weights for muscle mass but more lighter weights for muscle tone.

Answer 2

Bodybuilding is a very safe sport for teenagers. Done properly bodybuilding can be very beneficial for the health and maturation of teenagers. There is a lot of contraversy surrounding the idea of teenagers training for muscular hypertrophy, that it can stunt your growth and encourage Arthritis in older age. These however are all untrue if training is performed properly.

Like any sport bodybuilding too has dangers. Overtraining is a major factor in inexperienced lifters and can cause injury and atrophy in the muscles. This can be avoided simply by consuming adequate nutrition and getting adequate rest.

Answer 3

No, this is a myth. The idea was that it could damage the ends of the bones which are still growing, but this has never been documented. Lifting weights (correctly) has only positive effects.