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Sports Spotlight: Strength Training for Sprinters

In the third part of our Summer Sports Spotlight, we focus on strength training! This is a last of our three part series on how to increase your sprinting mechanics and get faster. If you are interested in checking out our other articles, check them out here!

Single Leg Squats vs. Bilateral Squats
Let’s look at the differences between the traditional squat and the single leg squat. The traditional bilateral back squat allows you to push a heavy amount of weight, more weight than you can on a single leg. This will help you recruit more muscle fibers to build up your lower body strength. During a back squat the weight is often centered through the heels to ensure the posterior chain is being recruited. Posterior chain recruitment is important to increase the strength of your glutes and hamstrings. Your glutes are primarily involved in hip extension, the key to any running performance.

What makes single leg squat training more effective than traditional squatting if I can’t lift as much each rep?

Well if each leg can lift 135 lbs each leg you’ve actually outdone your bilateral squat by 20 lbs! This is called the bilateral force deficit; in short it means you can lift more by adding the weight of each leg than you can by using both legs together. When looking at the transfer-ability of each squat position, it’s easy to see that single leg squats will directly correlate to your sprinting performance.

First off, a sprint only occurs with one foot on the ground at a time, so mirroring this in training will help strengthen the body unilaterally. This is even essential in correcting muscle imbalances that may be holding back your potential. Second, observe the increased tibial angle in the single leg squater. During a sprint the weight of each step should be focused through your mid-foot, this allows for maximal propulsion through the ground.

Although a mix of both can be good for variety, you can try switching your focus to single leg training. Here are some other single leg exercises that you can incorporate:

  • Single Leg Romanian Deadlifts
    • Great of developing balance and hamstring recruitment
  • Weighted Step Ups
    • Great for unilateral hip and knee extension
  • Single Leg Glute Bridges
    • Add a weight to the hips to add extra difficulty towards your hip extension

By Dave Albaranes

Recipe of the Week: Summer Kale Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 6 hours
Servings: 5

Ingredients:
5-6 cups of kale
½ cup dried unsweetened cranberries
½ cup pine nuts
½ cup diced red onions
½ cup cherry red tomatoes
1/3 cup feta cheese
Juice of one lemon
2 fresh cloves of garlic, diced
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup balsamic vinegar
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
Optional:  beans, avocado, or chicken for added protein

Directions:

  1. Mix kale, cranberries, tomatoes, nuts, and onions in a glass bowl.
  2. In a separate dish, mix lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic to make a dressing. Pour dressing over kale and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, overnight is best. Before serving, toss in feta cheese.

Nutrition:
Calories-243
Carbohydrates-24g
Protein-4g
Fat-16g (remember these are healthy fats!)

Workout Tips for Weekend Warriors

The weekend warriors, either we are one or we know of one. These individuals are the ones who participate in strenuous physical activity every once in a while, most commonly on the weekends. Overall this physical activity is good, however; there are some things you should consider before you go all out in a pick up basketball game with your old high school friends.

First of all, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The last thing you want to happen is for your calf to cramp up in the middle of a jump shot. You should be consuming water even hours before and after the game as well. During the game you should continue to hydrate whenever possible. If the sport is strenuous or lasts more than an hour, you may want to have a carbohydrate beverage, such as Gatorade, to help you refuel.

Second, you should eat a sufficient meal before, during, and post workout. Before strenuous exercise you want to have a meal that is moderate in protein and carbohydrates, low in fat, low in fiber 1-2 hours before your workout. If you are participating in a lengthy sport such as soccer you might want to bring some oranges or fruit snacks for health time to help you keep pushing through the game. As for a post workout meal, you are looking to have a meal that is balanced in terms of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Protein is necessary in terms of repairing of the muscle and carbohydrates are necessary to repair muscle glycogen stores.

A dynamic warm-up is also very beneficial for the weekend warrior- you want to avoid injury. This type of warm-up helps you prepare mentally and specifically for the game ahead. A dynamic warm-up also increases your core temperature and increases your heart rate to get you ready to workout. Save the static stretching for after the game.

It is very important to protect your skin, so don’t forget to wear sunscreen! Remember we all have to go back to work on Monday; be safe rather than sorry, but most importantly have fun!

 

By Sally Leahy

 

Recipe of the Week: Shrimp Salsa

Servings: 8 • Serving Size: ~ 1/2 cup
Makes 4 1/4 cups.
Calories: 74.9, Fat: 0.9 g, Protein: 12.5 g, Carbs: 4.4 g,
Fiber: 0.9 g, Sugar: 0.2 g, Sodium: 278.2 mg

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz cooked peeled shrimp, diced fine
  • 4 vine ripe tomatoes, diced fine
  • 6 tbsp red onion, finely diced
  • 3 tbsp jalapenos, diced fine (to taste)
  • 2 tbsp minced cilantro
  • 2 limes, juice of (to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • Optional add-ins: black beans, corn, avocado (calories not counted in)

Directions:

  1. Combinediced onions, tomatoes, salt and lime juice in a non-reactive bowl and let it sit about 5 minutes.
  2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a large bowl, taste for salt and adjust as needed.
  3. Refrigerateand let the flavors combine at least an hour before serving.

 

Original recipe from Skinnytaste.com

Recipe of the Week: Apple Pie Breakfast Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 small frozen banana
  • 1/2 cup non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt
  • 2/3 cup apple sauce, unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • Handful of fresh spinach or kale (optional)

Directions:

  1. Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth.
  2. Serve with favorite toppings!

Nutrition Information:
Serves: 1 |  Serving Size: 1 smoothie bowl
Per serving: Calories: 357; Total Fat: 3g; Sodium: 110mg; Carbohydrate: 65g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 37g; Protein: 15g

Original recipe can be found here!

Summer Fun Outdoor Workouts

When it’s beautiful outside, we know it’s hard to be inside at the gym. Your kids are off from school and you need a family activity. Summers are full of BBQs and weddings- you just don’t have the time to fit it all in. There are many reasons that you simply do not want to be indoors in the summer. We have some great outdoor activities where you can catch some sun rays, have some family bonding time, and of course, get those exercises in!

Beach Workout
One of the best places to workout on a summer day is the beach! Not only will you enjoy the beautiful scenery to keep you motivated and an ocean breeze to cool you off, but you also are getting a better workout. Sand creates for a greater workload for the muscles and a higher heart rate, which leads to a more effective training method.  The surface of the sand also puts less of a strain on your feet compared to pavement. So go play some beach volleyball, throw around that Frisbee with your friends, or simply walk along side the ocean.

Circuit Training in the Park
Ever walk around the park and see equipment scattered throughout? Many of our state parks have different equipment and devices to help you complete full circuit training. Not only is this a cost effective method to exercising without having to purchase any equipment at home, but you will also get a full body workout.

Aquatics & Swimming
While cooling off in the pool, why not burn some extra calories? Swimming is great for lower and upper body strength. Water exercises may help take the pressure off your joints and muscles. Since water is a natural resistant, it helps you workout those muscles. If you aren’t big on swimming you can try out some aquatics workouts, which include: arm circles, leg lifts, walking in the water, aqua jogging and flutter kicking.

Hiking
There are many types of hiking trails that you can choose from depending on the distance you choose, type of scenery, and difficulty level. Whether it is your first time hiking or you have done it before be sure to layer your clothes, pack plenty of water, and put on sunscreen.

Walking
Every step counts so get as many in as you can! Whether it is walking to complete your errands, visiting a friend or simply enjoying a nice walk around town- walking may be one of the simplest exercises you can do. Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight and can also prevent or manage various conditions, including: heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

 

By David Daoud

Recipe of the Week: Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 4 very ripe (8 ounce) avocados, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup agave
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • Fresh raspberries, for garnish

Directions:

  1. Place the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Place over a small saucepan of barely simmering water. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Place the melted chocolate, avocados, agave, cocoa powder, almond milk, vanilla and salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. Spoon into glasses and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (can be prepared 1 day in advance). Garnish with fresh raspberries and serve.

 

Original recipe can be found here!

When Should You Stretch?

The main purpose of stretching is to increase flexibility and reduce the risk of pain or injury during an exercise. With increased flexibility, we are able to strengthen muscles throughout their full range of motion around our joints. Before deciding when to stretch, it is important to first identify the different types of stretching and understand their effects on the body.

Types of Stretches
Static Stretching: this is the most commonly known form of stretching and involves maintaining a specific joint position for an extended time period (about 15-30 sec).

Example: Standing Hamstring stretch

Dynamic Stretching: this form of stretching requires that you actively move a joint through its full range of motion (repeated motion for period of time).

Example: Leg Swings

Stretching before Exercise
It is important to prime our muscles before exercise to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury. The best way to do this is to first perform a general warm-up in order to increase muscle temperature, increase your heart rate, and increase blood flow. Examples of a general warm-up: 5 mins of treadmill walking/ jogging, or riding the stationary bike.

Stretching performed after the warm-up should target the muscles that will be used during the workout. Though static stretching is very effective for increasing range of motion, studies have shown that it may have negative effect on exercise performance, particularly in regards to resistance training. Static stretching decreases muscle and tendon stiffness that is necessary for optimal contraction during exercise. However, dynamic stretching does not appear to have this same effect and because it involves movements that mimic exercise, we are able to prep multiple muscle groups more efficiently. Because of this, dynamic flexibility exercises are preferred before a workout.

Stretching after Exercise
Stretching can be a key part of “cool down” after a workout. Static stretching is most productive following a workout because it allows for greater blood flow back to the muscles, which is essential for proper recovery. Static stretching will increase flexibility/ joint range of motion, and because the workout is already complete, there is no reason for concern about the negative performance effects.

Stretching in General
Even if you aren’t exercising regularly, stretching has many benefits that can improve one’s health. Stretching (increasing flexibility) can decrease muscle imbalances, improve posture, reduce the risk of chronic injuries such as low back pain, and even relieve stress.

 

 

By Dave McCalla