Appears in642 Workouts*

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.

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Against-Wall Sprint Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)

Secondary

Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Lats (latissimus dorsi)

How to do the Against-Wall Sprint

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Breathing:

    • Exhale forcefully when driving your knee up and inhale as you return to the starting position.

  5. Repetitions:

    • Aim for short bursts of 20-30 seconds, followed by a brief rest. Repeat for 3-4 sets.

  6. 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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