What sort of weights do Usain Bolt and other sprinters do?

Question

I can't seem to find any websites that tell you what kind of weights to do if you're practicing for a 100m dash, 200m etc. Anyone know a website or know off hand?

Answer 1

Most if not all runners lift weights and do plyometric exercise.

You can see some programs at www.trackandfieldnews.com and www.mfathletic.com

Answer 2

It's scientifically proven that the fastest runners have the most support force at ground contact resulting in shorter contact times. Support force is mostly isometric. To get stronger isometrically try leg presses where you lift the weight with both legs but hold with one leg, on ball of foot, knee slightly bent. Hold as much weight as you can for 10-20 seconds. Do 4-6 holds on each leg a few times per week. Do short top speed sprints to bring out the elastic qualities of the strength.  

Answer 3

I was trying to look for this kind of information myself but one thing that im a little confused about is that Weight Lifting works Slow Twich fibers which is not good if your a sprinter.

A sprinter needs good Fast Twitch muscle fibers....and you need to know how to work them.   From what I know you can do exercises called  Isometric Exercises which are exercises that don't involve the joint angle and muscle length to move.

A sprinters Fast Twich muscle fibers basically are what determines reaction times and overall speed.  

Lifting weights in the gym does have some bonuses but overall it will not make you quicker.  It's scientifically proven and tested.  On the contrary I know certain exercises in the gym do help with sprinting but I forget which ones...you should google it.

Just to edit something as well......  Usain Bolt and top runners are genetically born to run fast.   When Usain bolt realized he had a gift to run he only trained for 1 year.  Yes that's right one year of training.   He simply  had a good diet, trained hard, and had the GENETICS to run.  

My point to all this is you can kinda get an idea on how good any exercise is gonna do you in the long run because if you suck to begin with....well ...properly going to suck in the long run.   You might be good but never a real champion.