How to Unlock Your Speed with Strength Training!

Did you know that strength training can actually make you faster? Studies show that athletes who incorporate lifting into their routine can improve their running times by up to 10%!

When it comes to unlocking our speed, most of us think that cardio training is the way to go. We've all been told that running miles on the treadmill or doing endless laps on the track is the key to getting faster.

But what if I told you that's only half the story?

In reality, strength training plays a huge role in building the power and explosiveness we need to cover more ground in less time. And today, we're going to dive into why that is.

One of the main reasons people overlook strength training when it comes to speed is because they don't see the direct connection. They think that because they're not doing sprints or agility drills, they're not actually improving their speed. But the truth is, building strength in the right muscle groups is crucial for generating force and propelling ourselves forward.

Think about it - when you're running, you're not just using your legs, you're using your entire body. You're engaging your core, your glutes, your hamstrings, and even your upper body to drive yourself forward. And the stronger those muscles are, the more force you'll be able to generate.

Another misconception is that strength training is only for building bulk. People think that if they start lifting weights, they'll automatically start putting on muscle mass. But that's not the case.

When you're doing strength training with speed development in mind, you're focusing on exercises that improve your power output, not your muscle mass. You're doing exercises like Russian Twists, Squats, Kettle Bell Swings, Leg Band work. These exercises are designed to make you stronger, not necessarily bigger.

And then there's the idea that strength training is only for athletes.

But the truth is, anyone can benefit from incorporating strength training into their fitness routine.

Whether you're a casual runner looking to improve your 5K time or a seasoned athlete trying to gain a competitive edge, building strength is essential for taking your speed to the next level. So, let's talk about how to actually do that.

A powerful insight that can transform your training routine: focus on building strength in your posterior chain. Your posterior chain includes your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back, and it's responsible for generating force and propulsion. By building strength in this area, you'll be able to generate more power and speed. One of the most effective ways to do this is through the use of hip-dominant exercises like deadlifts and hip thrusts.

Your glutes are the powerhouse of your lower body, responsible for generating force and propelling you forward. Exercises like deadlifts and hip thrusts are great for building strength in this area. Next up are your hamstrings. Your hamstrings are responsible for deceleration, which is key for speed development. Exercises like leg curls and glute-ham raises are great for targeting this area.

And finally, there's your core. Your core is the glue that holds everything together, providing stability and generating force. Exercises like planks and Russian twists are great for building strength in this area.

In addition to these exercises, you want to focus on building strength in multiple planes of motion. This means doing exercises that challenge you to move in different directions, like lateral shuffles and carioca drills.

To summarize, building speed through strength training is all about targeting the right muscle groups, using the right exercises and techniques, and focusing on explosive power and quick turnaround. By incorporating strength training into your fitness routine, you'll be able to generate more force, propel yourself forward, and take your speed to the next level.

Thanks for watching, everyone! If you've had any experiences with strength training and speed development, let us know in the comments below.

And if you're looking for more tips on how to take your speed to the next level, be sure to check out our next video on How To Build Endurance into your running plan, which is coming up right now.