Running is not only a great form of exercise that provides numerous benefits, including cardiovascular fitness, weight loss, and improved mental health, it could literally add years on to your life. However, many runners struggle to improve their running speed. If you’re one of these runners, don’t despair! There are a number of exercises to improve running speed that can help you reach your goals. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best exercises to improve running speed including your form.

Before getting right into the exercises, it’s important to note that improving your running speed is not just about running faster. In order to improve your running speed, you also need to focus on your running form as well. Good running form can help you run more efficiently and reduce your risk of injury.

Plyometric Jumps to Increase Running Speed

The first exercise to to add your to exercise regimen to increase running speed is the plyometric jump. Plyometric jumps are a type of explosive exercise that can help improve your running speed by building bouncy power in your legs. To perform a plyometric jump, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your arms at your sides. Bend your knees and jump as high as you can, landing softly on the balls of your feet. Repeat the plyo jump for 10-15 repetitions.

Bounds Can Increase Your Running Speed

Another great exercise to improve your running speed is the bound. Bounds are a type of plyometric exercise also that focuses on building power in the legs and hip flexors. To perform a bound, start in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart. Jump forward as far as you can, landing on the balls of your feet and immediately jumping forward again. Repeat the bound for 10-15 repetitions or until you can’t complete one more with good form.

High Knees for Adding Power

The third exercise to improve running speed is high knees. High knee drills are a type of plyometric exercise as well that help improve the power and speed of your leg muscles. To perform a high knee drill correctly, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bring your right knee up towards your chest and then back down to the starting position. Repeat the drill for 10-15 repetitions on each leg.

Butt Kicks for Improving Form and Speed

The fourth exercise to improve running speed is a butt kick drill. Butt Kicks are designed to help improve the speed of your leg muscles and improve your running form. To perform a butt kick exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bring your right heel towards your buttocks and then back down to the starting position. Repeat the exercise for 12-15 repetitions on each leg.

Skips can add Speed

Finally, the last exercise you should add to your routine to improve running speed is the skips. Skips are a type of plyometric exercise also that can help improve your running speed by building power in your legs. To perform a skip correctly, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Jump forward as far as you can and then immediately jump forward again. Repeat the skip for 15-20 repetitions.

In conclusion, improving running speed is not just about running faster. It also requires a focus on running form. The above exercises to improve running speed can help you reach your goals. Incorporate these exercises to improve running speed and form into your training program and you’ll be on your way to running faster and more efficiently in no time!