Against-Wall Sprint
Explosive power & speed! Mimic sprinting against a wall -- boost your running form and strengthen legs with this dynamic drill.
The Against-Wall Sprint mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the core and back. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Against-Wall Sprint Muscles Worked
Primary
Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)
Secondary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Lats (latissimus dorsi)
Against-Wall Sprint Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Against-Wall Sprint
Positioning:
Stand facing a sturdy wall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Place your hands on the wall at about shoulder height, shoulder-width apart.
Position your body at a slight angle, leaning forward slightly with your feet back and your weight on the balls of your feet.
Starting Position:
Bend your knees slightly and get into a ready stance, keeping your core engaged.
Your body should be in a straight line from your head to your heels, forming an incline.
Movement:
Push off from your back foot, driving your knee up toward your chest while simultaneously pressing your hands against the wall.
The motion should be explosive, mimicking the action of sprinting.
As you drive your knee up, extend your opposite leg straight back, maintaining a good posture.
Alternate legs, pushing off and driving the knees up in quick succession, like running in place against the wall.
Breathing:
Exhale forcefully when driving your knee up and inhale as you return to the starting position.
Repetitions:
Aim for short bursts of 20-30 seconds, followed by a brief rest. Repeat for 3-4 sets.
Tips:
Keep your core engaged throughout to maintain stability.
Focus on quick, powerful movements to maximize the plyometric benefits.
Ensure that your hands are firmly pressed against the wall to help stabilize your body during the exercise.
Against-Wall Sprint FAQs
What muscles does the Against-Wall Sprint work?
The Against-Wall Sprint mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the core and back. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus.
What equipment do you need for the Against-Wall Sprint?
None. The Against-Wall Sprint is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
What workout day should the Against-Wall Sprint go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Against-Wall Sprint variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Against-Wall Cross Mountain-Climber Kick, Sprint, Standing Sprint and Alternating Against-Wall Leg Sit Kick.
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