The Beginners Guide to Sprinting

Some of the top reasons why you should start sprinting include:

Building Mitochondria
A great benefit of sprinting is mitochondrial growth as that is a major benefit that used to be linked with long runs. However it was found that sprinting is just as efficient and you will find that even a sprint as short as four seconds is adequate for improved mitochondrial biogenesis.

Fat Burning
No activity could be better when you look at fat torching than sprinting. A sprint can reduce body fat by 75% whereas long distance running reduce body mass and muscle mass which is the opposite with sprinting.

Conditioning
Overall body conditioning is a great benefit which is why even weight lifters and other athletes that are non-runners are often found on the track as it is part of their anabolic exercise routine which increase muscle mass while building strength too.

Improved endurance
If you are an endurance runner or love long distances you will find that sprinting is an incredible way to improve your endurance as it increases efficiency tremendously.



Sprinting vs distance running has a serious distinction which you must understand when you decide that you want to become a sprinter. Many distance runners would say that that do sprint since they also incorporate a fast pace, however the two are not the same. Typically will you find that a long distance runner that does distances from 1600 meters and more the faster paces usually lasts three minutes or less. When you sprint though you are not requiring oxygen for fuel as you will find all-out sprinting lasts less than a minute.

To get started in sprinting you will do well when you train with a coach that offers the best workouts, technique and proper form to become a sprinter. Since you do not need equipment you still have to keep in mind that decent running shoes are vital as heavily cushioned shoes are not needed, but in this case you will wear minimalist shoes.
Training for sprinting also differs from that of distance runners as a sprinter needs time to recover whereas distance runners run seven days a week. You will find training adequate when attending tree to four times weekly while you build up strength gradually as intensity is high even though less mileage is done.

Good sample workouts for beginners could include:

  • 2 x 30 meter and three minute recovery
  • 2 x 200 meter with three minute recovery
  • 2 x 150 meter with three minute recovery
  • 1 x 100 meter

Workout plan two

  • 3 x 60 meter sprints and two minute recovery
  • 4 x 80 meter sprints with three minute recovery
  • 2 x 40 meter sprints with one minute recovery
  • 1 x 30 meter sprint