Teens who wish to build muscle and lift weights are often met with many obstacles, from lifestyle to frowning elders and wild stories about growth stunting. As such, teenage muscle building can be a complex subject, with many sides to the debate. Remember that each body is different and that this article does not take the place of sound medical advice.
Growth stunts?
The growth issue is probably the most troublesome of all. The fact is that many bodybuilders including Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno and Dave Draper all started working out at a young age and grew to be over 6 feet. For the most part; the main factors that govern growth are sleep, genetics and diet, with exercise playing a debated role.
The main scare concerning growth is that the growth plates (which close at 21 for males) will possibly close early. Once the growth plates are "closed," there is no more room for the bones to expand. That is why humans do not grow after 21. However, there is no scientific data to state that the growth plate can indeed close; and for the most part studies seem to indicate that proper lifting and exercise can stimulate extra growth.