Expert: Ken Alan - 1/5/2005

Question
Hi Ken
I am a 45 year old male,ingood health and active,but with short stubby legs.
I started a weight program this past year,focusing on squats,deadlifts,leg curls,to try and get more speed for playing soccer and hockey.
My legs have gotten bigger and stronger,and I am a bit quicker,but I feel that all the work has made them too bulky and actually shortened my stride.Was I going about it the wrong way? Should I change exercises,or quit the weights altogether? Any insights appreciated!

Answer
Hi Barry,

Since you stated that you wanted to get more speed for playing soccer and hockey, you have not gone about it the wrong way because you said you have become a bit quicker.  

Without seeing how you actually train doing the exercises you said you do, and not knowing what else you do or how much soccer or hockey you play, it's not possible to tell if what you're doing is optimal for gaining speed.  One thing is for sure, you should also be doing speed drills.

Get together with a personal trainer or athletic trainer in your area who specializes in sports conditioning for a couple of private training sessions.  It's worth the price so you can get specific direction and guidance to achieve your goal(s).  Best places to find qualified trainers:
- acefitness.org
- nsca-lift.org
- acsm.org

Stay active and dont hesitate to contact me if you have another question.