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About Phil Stevens
Expertise
I can answer questions related to any of the following areas general fitness, athletics, weight training, strength sports, personal trainers, personal training, health and wellness, diet/nutrition, weight/fat loss, dietary supplements, and bodybuilding.

Experience
I while attaining both my Bachelors and Masters degrees in studio art found another passion, that of training and nutrition. A constant student, my real-world under-the-barbell and behind-the-fork approach has led to many an opportunity, experience, and change in my life as well as those I have worked. I have transformed my own body in numerous ways from an initial soft 300 plus pounds, to a 165 running enthusiast, and currently 240-260 pounds competing as a strongman and powerlifter. I am constantly picking, meeting, and reaching new goals; happy but never content, always striving to perform, learn, build, and pass on past lived experience. I have attended, competed in, and hosted various seminars, workshops, and strength events. Met, befriended, worked for, and with many of the tops in the fields of training, sports, and nutrition. I consistently and compassionately pass on my lessons learned and knowledge gained to anyone in need, or to those whom simply expresses a desire, passion to better them selves. My experience is varied, having worked both distance via the internet, and hands on. From consulting with high caliber competitors and athletes, training support on a women’s weight loss forum, to volunteering with children in high risk neighborhoods. I have helped any and all walks of life get closer to and achieve their personal goals. All the while insisting I have, and will continuee1=

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Weightlifting & Exercise - Dumbbells

Expert: Phil Stevens - 11/5/2009

Question
I’m 17 and 5’4” (which is definitely short for my age). I haven’t hit my growth spurt yet. Will I still be able to grow more, like 3-4 inches? I also want to do strength training, with dumbbells. I have been doing free hand exercises, like push-ups, squats, calf raises, crunches, chin ups etc. for about 2 months. I also hang from bar and do much stretching everyday to get taller. Now, I want to start with dumbbells, because there are so many different exercises with dumbbells. But I heard that lifting dumbbells will stop my growth, i.e. I won’t grow any taller. So I searched the internet for what other people think. But now I am more confused. Because, 50% people have completely denied it, 16% have firmly said that it will STOP my growth and the rest have said that if I start with less weight and follow proper form, it won’t stunt my growth. But what is the truth? Will I grow taller? Is it okay to use dumbbells?

Answer
Raju-

Growing taller I can not promise that all depends on your genetics and if you eat enough to support growth. It is very likely you will grow more but no one can tell how tall.

Resistance training will NOT stunt your growth and one can make a great argument it will enhance growth by making bones grow larger and stronger due to adapting to the loads. The only way it could is if you damage a growth plat which is MUCH MUCH harder then people will lead you to believe. I would start light and learn proper form get a qualified coach and then make stead slow progress with the BIG free weight moves with barbells and dumbbells.

For more info you should join our free discussion forum, you will get lots of great advice and discussion there www.teamstaley.com start a training log. We can help with training, diet and then give advice on supplementation

Phil
www.staleytraining.com

I also ask you to take a look at my charity strength event with proceeds going to support Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Look at the online raffle make a donation no matter how small they all help the cause and give you a chance of winning some great prizes at the same time
http://www.lift4hope.org

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