Weight training seems to be one of the most popular topics on the channel. Whenever I produce a video on the subject I get lots of comments. Most - which is good - agree more or less with what I'm saying. You'll see what I mean if you look at one of the latest weight training videos - The Pros and Cons of Weight Training and its associated comments - SEE VIDEO BELOW.

However, a different type of question on weight training was asked on another video's comments section:
Q: Can weight training stunt your growth?
It's an unusual question so I thought I would provide my answer here, so more may be able to see.
A: Well, not if you train appropriately and at a mature enough age. Research indicates that weight training does not slow growth ... we also need to consider that plyometrics, sprinting and jumping are more intense exercise forms of exercise (more so than weights in terms of overload on the body), so if a young athlete can sprint they will be able to handle weight training (obviously sensibly set). Any exercise at any age will also have a hormonal effect. This can be positive and actually stimulate growth (in muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones, for example).
I generally introduce light weights at around 14-15 years of age for a jumper. They would be used for developing injury prevention rather that directly enhancing performance. And as I say in my videos I would be making sure that speed, plyometric ability and technical ability were the prime areas of focus. Weights can specifically improve performance, however, it takes time and a specific type of weight training to achieve this. If you were to emphasise the wrong type of weight training at too early an age this could be detrimental to your jumping. There are far better ways to improve performance.
Adding a little more.
Having said that some athletes may need to develop their specific weights strength earlier than others. It will be up to the coach to identify what they think a particular athlete needs to do in order to improve their performance. I'll say more about this in a future video on the channel and will give some specific examples using some of my athletes.
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For many of you in the world you are already in lock-down due to COVID. Fellow Europeans in Germany, France and Belgian for example are living under much more restricted conditions and now we in the UK are back on lockdown. As I'm a coach I'll focus on the impact this will have on me and the athletes I coach.
We will probably have nowhere to train from Thursday (when the lockdown starts) in terms of tracks and gyms (there maybe one track which we used in the summer that may be able to stay open as it has no indoor facilities attached to it ... fingers-crossed there). We can only go outside with one other who is not from our household, so I'm limited to coaching one athlete at a time whether at a track or in a park, for example (I have around 20 of various ages that I coach). Working (who have to go to work venues which is still allowed) and studying athletes (schools and universities remain open) will have problems training as now it's winter light conditions and dark at 4.30pm--5.00pm .
At least during the initial 2-3 month lock-down it was spring and summer and outside opps were better.

Turning a negative into a positive
Some of my athletes brought weights and other resistance equipment first lockdown around so they'll be able to use them which is great. They will also have got used to lock-down conditions ... however, it's doing it again that will take its toll (and being pessimistic, it would not surprise me if this lockdown is extended and/or there's another).
I'll have to go back to on-line lockdown workouts and will try to improvise so that the athletes do as best as is possible what they were going to do under non-lockdown conditions. I'll produce some more channel lock-down workouts for athletes to do in limited spaces, parks or on the street (where it is safe to do so). They were well appreciated last time, so thanks!

We made it through the last period and most of the group achieved PBs over the truncated late summer season ... so, this will hopefully act as their (and your) and my motivation to keep going.
An indoor season may only now be a slim chance but we will be much better geared up for outdoor meetings and how they should be run and made COVID secure, so that's a positive.

At times like this (and there are of course much bigger problems than jumping into sand) sport and exercise and its regime can add a purpose and direction to life. We need to keep each other motivated to train as best as is possible. However, we need to reduce the pressure and try to enjoy the fact that we can get out and workout, even in a 121 situation or as a 1 (coaches too need to workout). Something is better than nothing.
​We need to motivate each other. And don't forget your coach "we" spend so much energy keeping others going, we need a bit of support and encouragement too! Stay-safe and let me know how you are doing. And please support the channel by considering becoming a member.
​And do consider supporting my YouTube channel
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