9781422272183

Growth andMaturation As we’ve alreadymentioned, strength training provides crucial stimuli for maturation and growth in bones andmuscles. A single session of strength training also stimulates two hormones involved in development—growth hormone and testosterone. Growth hormone, a chemical released by the pituitary gland in the brain, triggers bone and tissue growth as part of natural maturation. In boys, testosterone release corresponds with puberty, helping themmature into healthy young men. (Don’t worry, girls—strength training won’t turn you into aman. You don’t have enough testosterone!)

Strength training is shown to stimulate growth hormone and testosterone.

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Strength and Bodyweight Training