The Perfect Superset for Speed
Two major components of raw speed are glute strength and full hip extension [driving a leg back behind the body]. For proof, refer to the above image of Tyson Gay, the man who smoked Usain Bolt in their last 100m showdown, demonstrating his proficiency with both components.
Tight hip flexors and inactive or weak glutes, which prevent long, explosive strides, are quite common among athletes. The two issues go hand in hand. Tight hip flexors prevent an athlete from properly firing his glutes. Even when glute exercises are performed on a regular basis, tight hips will prevent the glutes from activating and getting stronger.
Due to the interrelationship between the hip flexors and glutes, exercises that target both are critical for their development. Supersets that combine two such exercises are even better.
Perform Reverse Lunges to simultaneously challenge the flexibility of your hip flexors and improve your glute strength in a knee-dominant hip extension [a pushing motion to extend both your knee and hip]. Then immediately perform Dumbbell RDLs, taking advantage of your loose hips to strengthen your glutes through pure hip extension.
Rest for 60 seconds and repeat the superset three times.
Reverse Lunge (8 reps each leg)
Dumbbell RDL (8 reps)
Still trying to ramp up your speed? Our STACK “Get Faster” page is full of drills, workouts, and advice to get you moving.
Photos: zimbio.com, danny vega
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The Perfect Superset for Speed
Two major components of raw speed are glute strength and full hip extension [driving a leg back behind the body]. For proof, refer to the above image of Tyson Gay, the man who smoked Usain Bolt in their last 100m showdown, demonstrating his proficiency with both components.
Tight hip flexors and inactive or weak glutes, which prevent long, explosive strides, are quite common among athletes. The two issues go hand in hand. Tight hip flexors prevent an athlete from properly firing his glutes. Even when glute exercises are performed on a regular basis, tight hips will prevent the glutes from activating and getting stronger.
Due to the interrelationship between the hip flexors and glutes, exercises that target both are critical for their development. Supersets that combine two such exercises are even better.
Perform Reverse Lunges to simultaneously challenge the flexibility of your hip flexors and improve your glute strength in a knee-dominant hip extension [a pushing motion to extend both your knee and hip]. Then immediately perform Dumbbell RDLs, taking advantage of your loose hips to strengthen your glutes through pure hip extension.
Rest for 60 seconds and repeat the superset three times.
Reverse Lunge (8 reps each leg)
Dumbbell RDL (8 reps)
Still trying to ramp up your speed? Our STACK “Get Faster” page is full of drills, workouts, and advice to get you moving.
Photos: zimbio.com, danny vega