Q: I have heard many things about weight lifting damaging growth plates, and I was wondering if you knew anything about it. Is this fact or fiction?
A: Anabolic hormones, such as testosterone and growth hormone, will induce the eventual closure of growth plates thus setting your maximum height. High intensity weight training will increase both hormones. Eventually, growth plates close at the end of puberty. After that point in time, intensive weight training will increase muscle mass.