One of the most common forms of exercise is running. In most instances, that run will take the form of a longer jog. The tenacity to reach greater and greater distances and faster speeds is a good drive for a lot of people, making jogging one of the most popular fitness activities in the country.
There’s another type of running, however, that doesn’t get nearly the attention but that still deserves you consideration: sprinting. While you typically won’t achieve the kind of distance that would be possible with more tempered jogging, sprinting can certainly improve your fitness levels in ways you wouldn’t have thought possible.
That said, if you intend to embark on a sprinting fitness regimen, you have to be aware of the greater potential for injury. If you’re not prepared for this more intensive style of running, then you could be putting your body at risk for the type of damage that maybe wouldn’t occur if you were jogging greater distances at a slower pace. Thankfully, a new article from Esquire actually delves into the ways that a person could get the most out of their sprinting while avoiding the types of injuries that could plague unprepared runners.
There’s one piece of guidance that holds true whether you’re sprinting, jogging, or really engaging in any other type of workout: you must warm up. If you haven’t prepared your body for the shock to the system that sudden exercise can create, you’re putting yourself at an immediate disadvantage. You won’t be capable of reaching your utmost potential, you’ll be at greater risk for injury, and you’ll be excessively sore the next day. A warmup is especially important when sprinting, as you’re basically jamming down on the accelerator of your body. Don’t do that without shifting into the first gear by warming up with a light jog and some stretching.
One big takeaway is the importance of remaining loose when you’re engaged in the sprint. Your body is going to be pounding the pavement hard, and if you’ve tensed your muscles when this happens, the shock damage can add up quickly. Keep your body loose, letting the impacts roll through your entire body rather than take their toll on your leg muscles.
This is also important when you’re bringing a sprint to a close. ACL injuries can take place if you attempt to stop on a dime because you’re pitting your muscles against your body’s natural momentum. Instead, make sure to let that momentum carry you to a lower speed and then finally to a stop. Never attempt to work against yourself.
For more insights on how to carry out the proper sprint, visit the link above.
About the author
