Athletes at every level of experience aspire to improve their performance. Exercise is an important part of the training routine for all those who participate in sports, but there are specific workouts that can yield impressive results and improve performance, overall. Speed training is one of these.
What is Speed Training?
Speed training in the world of athletics involves performing specific drills or sets of exercises at the highest possible rate of speed. The primary goal is to improve stride length, stride efficiency, and turnover, as well as efficiency. Some examples of speed training exercises that can help athletes accomplish this include:
- Short speed repetitions, also known as wind sprints
- Interval training
- Repetition training
- Tempo, or Lactate Threshold (LT) exercises, which require running or otherwise performing at or very close to your lactate threshold, or the maximum pace at which your body can clear lactate from your muscles and bloodstream.
All of these exercises are excellent for improving overall athletic ability and should be considered based on an athlete’s current level of experience and skill.
What Speed Training Is Not
Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about speed training that can lead to inefficient practices and even injury. Inexperienced coaches may require their athletes to run sprints with no goal in place and refer to these as speed training. Additionally, some athletes may apply resistance incorrectly, leading to injury and a loss of efficiency, rather than any overall gains.
Athletes looking for advice and instruction in speed training in the Jacksonville, FL area can look to local coaching and training experts SAS Sports Performance. Providing clients with experienced training at every level – youth, high school, college, and adult, both for professional and everyday fitness – the expertise provided by coaches with an understanding of how speed training can improve overall performance is an invaluable addition to any fitness or athletic practice schedule. Contact SAS or your nearby training organization to inquire about which exercises will best enhance your routine, and see what speed training can do for you.
