Running all out, at least for short distances, can be a great way to level up your workout routine.
When was the last time you sprinted?
I mean a full-blown, all-out, redline sprint.
For many of us, it’s been a while. Possibly even as far back as high school. In nearly every town in the United States, you can find a 5K, 10K, half marathon or full marathon to run. But it’s far less likely that you’ll find an organized track meet to run a 100-, 200- or 400-meter dash (though they do exist).
One reason many adults avoid sprinting is that the thought of past injuries (or possible future ones) can be frightening. Another, of course, is that sprinting is hard, often leaving us doubled over gasping for air.
But hard is the idea. Sprinting puts an enormous amount of stress on our physical systems, which — when done safely — makes us stronger, more resilient and more fit.
Why sprint?
Put simply, sprinting is running at or near your top speed. “It is one of the movements that gives the biggest bang for buck,” said Matt Sanderson, a director at the fitness brand SOFLETE.
Sprinting helps build and maintain fast-twitch muscle fibers. Maintaining these fibers can help prevent slips and falls, which are the leading cause of injury among older people.
Because sprinting engages so many muscles, “it’s going to do a better job of helping maintain your muscle mass and avoid muscle loss as you age,” said Christopher Lundstrom, a lecturer in kinesiology at the University of Minnesota who studies sports and exercise science.