Benefits You May Not Know About Running Sprints

How to start sprinting

There are so many more benefits of running sprints that didn’t make my top 6. Honorable mention benefits of sprinting include: improved bone density, improved cardiovascular health, better glucose control … and probably the most important, sprints are FUN!

So, you are convinced now, where do you go from here?!

Step 1: Start small

If it’s been a while since you have run sprints, don’t go full tilt on day one. Think about gradually increasing intensity over a few weeks. Mark off 100 meters and do 10 sprints at what you feel is about 70% of your max speed. The next week, build to 75%. Once you become acclimated to this style of training, each sprint will be full tilt!

Step 2: ALWAYS Warm-Up

Not warming-up before running sprints is asking for a pulled hamstring. A proper warm-up is all part of the workout and will help to avoid injuries. Before a dynamic workout you don’t want to do static stretching, you want to do dynamic movements to prepare your body. Try something like this:

• ¼ mile (400m) Jog
• Leg Swings
• Then march off 10 meters and do each exercise down and back:
• Butt Kicks, High Knees, High Knee Skip

Followed by 3-4 runs at your given distance for the day, start slow and gradually increase speed each rep.

Step 3: Stay Relaxed

If you tense up when sprinting, that’s when injury is more likely to occur. I was always taught that sprinting had to be “relaxed aggression.” Watch a video of Usain Bolt sprinting. His face is bouncing and expressionless.