When it comes to how we pick our exercises for our programming we use different variations to get different results or responses from the body. Different exercises & variations help stimulate the body in various ways along with helping bring reprieve to areas of the body that may get a high volume of work. We will not address every exercise in this month’s programming but we will look at a few of the main rocks in our training for this period.
The first two exercises are hex bar deadlift and front squat. Incorporating hex bar deadlifts and front squats into your exercise program can offer several positive benefits for your overall strength, muscle development, and overall sports performance. Here are some of the positive aspects of using these exercises in your workout routine:
Hex Bar Deadlift
Full-body Strength: Hex bar deadlifts are a compound exercise that targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously, including the legs (quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes), lower back, upper back, and grip strength. This can help you develop overall strength and power.
Reduced Stress on Lower Back: Unlike traditional barbell deadlifts, hex bar deadlifts place less stress on the lower back due to the more upright torso position. This makes them a safer option for individuals with lower back issues or those who want to minimize the risk of injury.
Improved Posture: Performing hex bar deadlifts encourages proper posture and spinal alignment, which can carry over into your daily life and help prevent back pain.
Front Squat
Quadriceps Emphasis: Front squats target the quadriceps (front thigh muscles) more than back squats due to the forward torso lean. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to develop strong and well-defined leg muscles.
Core Engagement: Front squats require significant core stability to maintain an upright posture. This helps strengthen your core muscles, which are essential for overall stability and injury prevention.
Improved Mobility: Front squats can enhance hip and ankle mobility as they demand a more upright and deep squat position. Improved mobility can benefit your overall sport performance and functional movements.
Less Stress on the Lower Back: Similar to hex bar deadlifts, front squats place less strain on the lower back compared to back squats. This can be advantageous for individuals with lower back issues.
It’s important to note that both hex bar deadlifts and front squats should be performed with proper form and technique to maximize their benefits and minimize the risk of injury. If you’re new to these exercises, consider consulting a sports performance coach to ensure you’re using proper form and selecting appropriate weights for your skill level.
Weighted Sprints
Increased Resistance and Intensity: Adding weight to sprints increases the resistance against which your muscles must work. This added resistance makes the sprint more challenging and helps you build strength and power more effectively than traditional sprints.
Enhanced Speed and Explosiveness: Weighted sprints can improve your speed and explosiveness. As you get accustomed to sprinting with added resistance, you’ll find that when you sprint without weights, you can generate more force and speed, leading to improved sports performance.
Improved Cardiovascular Conditioning: Weighted sprints challenge your cardiovascular system by elevating your heart rate quickly and maintaining it at a high intensity. This can enhance your cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness.
Variation and Excitement: Introducing weighted sprints to your exercise routine can add variety and excitement. It’s a change of pace from traditional cardio workouts and can help prevent workout boredom.
Improved Mental Toughness: Weighted sprints can be mentally challenging, pushing you to your limits. Incorporating such demanding exercises can help improve your mental toughness, discipline, and resilience.
When incorporating weighted sprints into your exercise program, it’s essential to start gradually, ensuring that you have proper running form and that you’re using an appropriate amount of weight. Overloading yourself too quickly can lead to injury.
Weighted Sled Drags
Full-Body Conditioning: Sled drags engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, providing a full-body workout. This exercise primarily targets the lower body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, but it also activates the core, upper back, and arms to stabilize and move the sled.
Functional Strength: Sled drags mimic real-world movements, such as pushing or pulling heavy objects. This functional exercise can improve your strength and endurance for everyday activities and sports that involve pushing or pulling actions.
Low-Impact: Sled drags are a low-impact exercise, making them suitable for individuals with joint issues or those looking to reduce the risk of injury. The smooth, controlled motion of sled drags minimizes stress on the joints while still providing an effective workout.
Versatility: Sled drags are highly versatile. You can adjust the weight on the sled to match your fitness level, making them suitable for beginners and advanced athletes alike. Additionally, you can perform various types of sled drags, including forward drags, backward drags, lateral drags, and diagonal drags, to target different muscle groups and movement patterns.
Cardiovascular Endurance: Sled drags can provide an excellent cardiovascular workout. When performed with intensity, they elevate your heart rate and help improve cardiovascular endurance and conditioning.
Enhanced Speed and Power: Incorporating sled drags into your training can improve your speed and power. By progressively increasing the weight and intensity of the drags, you can enhance your ability to generate force and explosiveness, which can benefit sports performance.
Recovery and Active Rest: Sled drags can serve as active recovery exercises between heavy lifting sessions. They help flush out metabolic waste products from the muscles, reduce soreness, and promote circulation without placing additional strain on the body.
Mental Toughness: Sled drags can be mentally challenging, requiring determination and grit to push or pull heavy resistance. Incorporating such demanding exercises into your routine can help build mental toughness and discipline.
When incorporating sled drags into your exercise program, be sure to start with an appropriate weight and focus on maintaining proper form throughout the exercise. Gradually increase the resistance as you become more experienced and conditioned. It’s also advisable to consult with a fitness professional or coach to design a sled drag program that aligns with your fitness goals and individual needs.
Elevate Your Sports Performance: The Next Step
Integrating these exercises into your routine promises not only remarkable improvements in strength, power, and endurance but also a transformative impact on your overall athletic performance. Consistency in training ensures a notable enhancement in on-field or court prowess. More than just elevating your game, these workouts are designed to help you transcend your current limitations, setting new benchmarks in personal athletic achievement. The result? An athlete who not only excels in their sport but also endures longer, performing at peak levels throughout any event.
Are you ready to elevate your sports performance and break through barriers? Let our expert sports performance coaches at Ohio Athletic Performance guide you. Whether you’re seeking tailored exercise recommendations or comprehensive training programs, we’re here to assist in realizing your or your athlete’s fullest potential. Don’t wait to start your journey towards exceptional sports performance. Contact us today at Ohio Athletic Performance and take the first step towards surpassing your goals.
