Weight Exercises That Improve Athletism
July 5, 2009 by Kris Jones
Filed under Weight Lifting
Do you remember the Seinfeld episode where Kenny Bana told Jerry Seinfeld he was pumping iron and Jerry asked why? Bana had no good response. Well besides looks, health, and being physically strong for practical purposes Jerry has a point in that training to lift just to go back and lift more (without a formal competition) is somewhat empty. However, if you train for sport you know have a direct application for pumping iron besides looks, health, and physical strength (as if you needed justification beyond these).
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Here are three exercises and how they can help you in athletic competition.
For better jumping ability, try dumbell squat jumps. To do these simply drop down into squat position and then explode slightly forward.
For better side to side movement, try a drop lunge. In this exercise grab a barbell and lower it behind your head. Now take one foot and place it behind the other and lower down. Switch feet and repeat.
Sled lunges can give you better speed. To add this, just attach a weight to your torso (by rope or harness) and pull the weight forward with lunges. This will build super strong thighs and really give your speed a lift.
Running backs (as seen below with Carnell Williams) often showcase great lateral agility and speed.
Wow, had never heard of these applications for the particular exercises. Most of us have only had simple training of how to lift with no direct application to a sport specific movement. Great suggestions.