Just a question, as I read through the thread…what do folks think about doing walking lunges with a sled? (i.e., 20 steps, or 20m, etc) Also, those that use the sled, do you use a belt (around waist) or do you use a kind a upper body harness? Would there be a difference?
Thanx
I’m wondering what is meant by “pullling” a sled… I agree fully, that running with one is a waste of time. In fact, when first introduced to the sled, the coach I knew who was using it was having athletes run with it, and I thought to myself, “This is silly.” However, having used one for a few years now, I can honestly say that “dragging” a sled has benefits in my opinion. Assuming it is loaded to the point that it is hard to move. I use over 70 variations of pulling exercises for everything from the posterior chain, quads, VMO development, low back, chest, delts, tri’s, bi’s, lats, rhomboids and trap III and IV. I even have two inch thick handles attached to the straps for grip work. Obviously not specific to sprinting, but it is for my goals. I think it can definately be used to increase speed. However, it is used in a manor similar to squats, or deadlifts (i.e., slow movements). The only “fast” movement I really like with it is pull throughs. These can be done explosively and are a poor man’s olympic lift for lack of a better description.
So my question, do you think there can be benefit for sprinters dragging a sled as opposed to running/pulling.
P.S. I would not use it during the SP phase, but as a conditioner and strength builder during more general conditioning phases.
From what I understand, sprinting with a slight resistance <10% can help a sprinter apply more force into the ground. I think it has man benefits for an athlete who darts(no triple extension). Also if an athlete isnt involved in strength training such as myself, this is a way to specifically strengthen the muscles…similar to plyometrics. Thoughts??
LOL. A FEW HAVE RAN 39.99 mph BUT HAVE NOT MANAGED 40MPH!!! It has been postulated that they lack this MAGICAL illusive gene that stops them from running that bit faster to break the barrier!!!
I think you’re right. You can use the sled in the beginning of the session (warm up run + 1-3 accel:s), then move on to accel:s or sprinting without it and feel the ”overdrive”. A good way to change stimulus once in a while.
I’d like to bump this post because I’d like to know the answer as well.
Round waist - charlie already replied somewhere else
Don’t see why that makes sense because the load on the hams in that position would come from above.
I had good results running with one at 10% reduction in speed at most. Heavy dragging and running doesn’t cut it for me. What exactly are you saying that dragging will do for you that other exercises miss or don’t do more safely?