Speed Training For The Older Person Plus 24 Day Challenge Update

Here is what we're discussing today:

• Are You Too Old To Get Faster?
• The Lebron James Video Interview
• 24 Day Challenge

So some time ago, one of my friends was talking with me about what I do. You know all these years of being friends and he still didn't quite have a grasp of what I did. So, I was explaining to him about the speed training that we do with athletes and he asked me the question:

That must be nice, but you couldn't get someone my age (early forties) faster right? It's too late for me?

And I replied, of course I could get you faster. Now, how much faster can be debated? Can I get him as fast as he was when he was younger in his 20's? I don't know, but I can get him faster than he is currently.

I've worked with several gentlemen 50 years or older and the speed training is the same. Except that you have to modify your progression with the older individual. Especially, if someone is starting out, you might not be able to do some of the explosive drills (even the basic ones) because it might really make that individual sore if they haven't been doing anything in awhile. They could possibly pull a muscle.

With older individuals speed diminishes, in my opinion, for several reasons:

• Lack of flexibility - As we age, if you don't do a good stretching program or make sure you are doing movements in their proper range of motion, you lose your elasticity. Thus, the range of motion you might need for sprinting, your body just can't get into it. So you are slowed down by that.
• You just don't sprint as often - This is the bigger thing. As we age, you get involved with life and unless you are sprinting in your workouts, you just don't sprint that much. So, when you do sprint to say chase your kid, your body is not used to that high power output and you pull something. Vowing never to sprint again.
• Lack of strength - Once again, if you aren't lifting, you definitely won't be maintaining any strength you need to be fast. Plus, as we age, we lose a little bit of muscle each year. So, when they ask you to sprint, your doomed.

My point being, with a proper warm-up, solid strength program, stretching, and some sprint training, if someone wanted to get faster at an advanced age, they most certainly could do it. I had a masters track athlete in his early 60's train with me a few times and his speed matched any of the younger top notch athletes I was working with. His form was fluid, his stride was good. He looked great running. So, it can be done.

So, if you are older and want to get back into your old sprinting form, it can happen. You can get a lot faster than what you currently are. It just will take a little longer to get to that position.

Side Notes:

• I recently conducted a "video interview" with Lebron James. It is a short 5 minute video and the king was able to answer some of my questions for me about his strength and conditioning program. Lucky for you, I captured it on video and it is now up on Youtube. You can watch it by clicking here. Check it out. I will admit, it isn't entirely what you are thinking about a legit interview, but it should be entertaining.
• We are half way through the month and we have had several people take advantage of the 24 day challenge that I mentioned last newsletter. You can order it by clicking here. It is being offered at a reduced price right now through the end of the month. It consists of a 10 day herbal cleanse and a 14 day max phase which will lead you into great shape for continuing your health transformation. Remember, if you purchase this program and live in Columbus, I will provide you with a free Metabolic Assessment and 3 day meal plan so you can use it after your 24 day challenge. Or you can get a free online 13 week workout to get that kick started for the new year. Ask me how you can get 20% off of your nutritional orders as well. Only a couple weeks left so take advantage of this special and let's get going!!

To your health!!