Relaxation for speed Most athletes try to sprint harder. The best...
Fred Duncan@Fred__Duncan
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Jun 03, 2025
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Relaxation for speed
Most athletes try to sprint harder. The best sprinters know how to run relaxed.
Sprinting is a violent, high-output movement, but it’s also rhythmic and controlled. It’s fluid. And that’s where most athletes fall short.
Most athletes try to sprint harder. The best sprinters know how to run relaxed.
Sprinting is a violent, high-output movement, but it’s also rhythmic and controlled. It’s fluid. And that’s where most athletes fall short.
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They’re tight in the face, shoulders, and hands, and they don’t realize that tension bleeds into everything.
As Charlie Francis said, “Tension anywhere is tension everywhere.”
That’s not just coaching wisdom, the research backs it up.
As Charlie Francis said, “Tension anywhere is tension everywhere.”
That’s not just coaching wisdom, the research backs it up.
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“Analysis of Relaxation and Relaxation Training on Sprint Performance Impact.” (Wang, 2014)
“relaxation training effects on the muscular and technical level of athletes” found that athletes who used systematic breathing and muscle relaxation techniques before sprinting actually
“relaxation training effects on the muscular and technical level of athletes” found that athletes who used systematic breathing and muscle relaxation techniques before sprinting actually
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improved performance. The group that practiced relaxation showed better running times and more efficient repeat sprint ability.
The ability to contract & relax muscles rapidly, coordinating agonists and antagonists, is a hallmark of elite speed. And it’s a skill you can train
The ability to contract & relax muscles rapidly, coordinating agonists and antagonists, is a hallmark of elite speed. And it’s a skill you can train