How to Get Back into Sprinting as an Adult Without Injuring Yourself

Here’s How You Can Start Sprinting Again Without Injuring Yourself

Have you ever thought about sprinting again but worry about getting injured? You’re not alone. Many adults shy away from sprinting due to fear of hurting themselves. But with the right approach, you can start incorporating sprints into your workout routine without risking injury.

Sprinting is a high-impact activity that requires strong leg muscles and tendons to handle the forceful contractions. To help you get back into sprinting shape, we’ve talked to Matt Tometz, Assistant Director of Olympic Sports Performance at Northwestern University, who shared some valuable tips on how to prep your body for sprinting and gradually increase intensity without getting hurt.

The key to avoiding injury when sprinting is proper preparation. Matt recommends starting with a warm-up routine that includes plyometric exercises like ankle jumps to strengthen your hamstring muscles and tendons. Then, incorporate reduced-intensity sprints into your warm-up to practice the movement of sprinting.

Once you’ve warmed up, gradually increase the intensity of your sprints over several weeks. Start with longer distances at lower intensities and progressively shorten the distance while ramping up the intensity. By following this approach, you can work your way up to an all-out sprint without risking injury.

Remember to keep things loose and relaxed while sprinting to maintain fluid form and reduce the chances of injury. Focus on staying relaxed, and try to sprint with a “brook trout look” by keeping your hands and jaw loose.

You can incorporate sprinting into your strength-training workouts by doing them on the days you perform lower-body exercises. Consider doing your sprints before strength training to consolidate stress and help you feel fresh and loose before hitting the weights.

Whether you sprint before or after strength training depends on your goals, so choose the approach that works best for you. The important thing is to start slowly and gradually increase intensity to avoid injury and enjoy the benefits of sprinting at any age.

Don’t let the fear of getting injured hold you back from sprinting. With the right preparation and approach, you can safely incorporate sprints into your workout routine and experience the satisfaction of moving your body as fast as it can go. Get ready to sprint your way to a healthier, stronger you!