Building Speed-Specific Strength

More Than Just Muscles

Do you ever wonder why some athletes seem to zoom past others effortlessly? It’s not just about being strong; it’s about having the right kind of strength. As Bill Parisi wisely puts it, “To go fast, you need Bruce Lee strength, not Arnold Schwarzenegger strength.” This means it’s not just about building big muscles but developing a specific type of strength that caters to speed and agility.

1. Foundational Strength Movements

Imagine your body as a well-built house. Before adding fancy decorations, you need a strong foundation. Similarly, before aiming for speed, you need to establish a solid foundation of strength relative to your body weight. Here are some foundational movements to get you started:

  • Pull Ups: These work wonders for building upper body strength. Start with sets of 2-10, and don’t worry if you need assistance at first. Once you hit 10 chin-ups, challenge yourself by adding weight with a vest or a belt instead of doing more reps. Watch how to do Pull Ups
  • Squats: From regular squats to variations like goblet squats, they not only strengthen your legs but also work on your core, contributing to greater force application. Watch how to do Squats
  • Trap Bar Deadlift: A staple in foundational strength training, this exercise targets multiple muscle groups, setting the stage for improved overall strength. Watch how to do Trap Bar Deadlift

2. Core Strength: More Than Just Abs

Now, let’s talk about your core. It’s not just about having a six-pack; it’s about having a core that can transfer force effectively. A strong core ensures that the force you generate moves seamlessly through your body. Try these exercises for multidimensional core strength:

  • Loaded Carries: Farmer carries, suitcase carries, or overhead carries engage your core in various ways, enhancing its ability to support and transfer force. Watch how to do Farmer Carries

Pallof Press: This exercise helps you resist spinal flexion, extension, and rotation, contributing to a stable and powerful core. Watch how to do Pallof Press

3. Lower Body Strength: The Key to Speed

For speed, your lower body muscles play a crucial role. Focus on exercises that target the hip extensors (glutes), hip flexors, and knee flexors (hamstrings):

  • TRX Hamstring Curls: This modification targets your hamstrings, crucial for deceleration and quick changes in direction. Watch how to do TRX Hamstring Curls
  • Lunges: Enhance your balance and work on the hip flexors with this exercise. Watch how to do Lunges
  • Calf Raise: Strengthening your calf muscles contributes to powerful push-offs, an essential element of speed.

Remember, being strong is essential, but being strong in the right way is the key to unlocking your speed potential. So, embrace a mix of foundational movements, core exercises, and lower body strength training to build the kind of strength that propels you forward like a speed champion.

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