In a world where speed is constantly breaking new technological grounds.. Where we can fly around the world within 24 hours as opposed to months, or years like in the old days (yet we still complain)..
fighter jet breaking the speed of sound barrier
In a world where we want everything to be done immediately (quick fixes, fast food, transportation, customer service, etc.).. where speed is highly demanded in order to keep up with society..
In a world where speed is everything and everywhere, our bodies are the ones that get left behind in the dust.
We as human beings, and creatures of this planet, have the innate ability to run, and I mean run FAST! When we run as fast as we possibly can with 100% effort, we call this a sprint.
Usain Bolt, world's current fastest man
What makes it innate? Well, there are dozens of factors. The fact that we are fast thinkers, have long legs, upright torsos, swinging arms, and fast twitch muscle fibers should be a clear sign. *(fast twitch muscle fibers contract rapidly and are used for short, explosive bursts of energy) But if that does not convince you, maybe the fact that we are built with an automatic “fight or flight” response will. This is when our brain and nervous system perceives an immediate danger and responds with seemingly automatic evasive maneuvers.
For example, let’s say you’re walking down a side-walk minding your own business when, all of a sudden, you realize you’re being run down by a neighbor’s fearful Rottweiler. You immediately start to haul-ass (sprint) towards somewhere safe. It won’t matter how old you are, or if you haven’t exercised in years, you will end up sprinting for your life without considering making one excuse. Hopefully you’ll make it.
Cute
Not so cute
Extreme situations or not, the sprinting capability is within us all and should be exercised and maintained. That way, when those extreme situations do occur, you are better suited for them. Oh yeah.. Sprinting is also great for you and your health (the reason I am writing this blog).
Sure, some people may be faster than others. Some people may even be gifted with the genetic ability to run as fast as 11 meters per second. Although, I will never discredit a lifelong competitive training program even if it is combined with great genetics. Either way, this should not deter you from being able to sprint to the best of your ability.
Olympic Sprinters
Unless there is a harmful metabolic condition, injury, or some specific ailment, you should be running sprints.
One more time. Unless there is a harmful metabolic condition, injury, or some specific ailment, YOU SHOULD BE RUNNING SPRINTS!
And finally, here are my Top 10 reasons why:
10 ) Sports & Running Performance (available on page 2)
9 ) Anaerobic Performance (available on page 2)
8 ) Aerobic Performance (available on page 3)
7 ) Body Composition (available on page 3)
6 ) Functional Advantage (available on page 4)
5 ) Health & Youth (available on page 4)
4 ) Time Management (available on page 5)
3 ) It’s Easy To Track Progress (available on page 5)
2 ) Competition (available on page 6)
1 ) Sprints Are COOL (available on page 6)
(Copyright 2011 by Javier Fleites/Mr. Workout. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten or redistributed without permission.)
