Some people claim that running is boring, monotonous, and reaps slow gains and benefits to the body. So why do it? Running hills offers numerous benefits you typically wouldn’t see from simply jogging 2-3 miles at a 10 minute pace. The benefits of hill sprints include building muscle, the release of IGF-1 into the bloodstream, shedding fat, and increasing mental toughness. Also, running hills is a safe alternative to sprinting on a flat surface such as a track because the incline puts less strain on your joints.
Getting Started
To get started, you need only find an elevated surface about 40-50 yards long you can run on. However, sprinting by nature requires that you warm up out prior to beginning activity. An excellent way to do this is to simply jog a mile or so before beginning the sprints in order to get the blood flowing. It’s also important to conduct the first couple sprints at 50 percent capacity because you want to acclimate your body to this high-intensity activity.
When you’re running, it’s important to keep proper form. Don’t look down; keep your chin up and eyes looking forward to ensure proper running posture. Keep your hips forward and bring your knees up high as you sprint; you should never be moving laterally during a sprint. Your heels shouldn’t make contact with the ground. Finally, keep your chest out and shoulders back during your sprints. Most people rotate hill sprints into their workout routine very slowly. Try 1-2 times a week at 75% capacity. Hill sprints can be brutal and you will likely be sore afterwards due to the shock applied to the body.
Conclusion
Do not despair, you have to stick with it! After all, if it was easy everyone would do it. Hill sprints remain one of the all-time best exercises to sculpt a fit, powerful, and ripped physique. Track stars, NFL football players, and Olympic swimmers continue to rotate hill sprints into their routine due to their efficiency and safety. After all, Walter Payton and Herschel Walker both claimed hill sprints were the most important ingredient to their success, so get out there and get fit!
