Want to get faster for your track & field events? Then you have to start strength training. A strong body will be able to produce more force and propel you forward at a faster pace. So, the first step to getting faster is to hit the weight room.
Although sprinting is largely a lower-body activity, you do yourself a disservice if you neglect your upper body. Every stride you take is initiated by the forward driving movement of your shoulder and arm. If you have strong legs but a weak upper body, your speed will lag behind your competition.
A good off-season strength program will prepare and develop your body for a successful season. One of the best ways to build muscle for track & field is to strength train three days per week—preferably on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This will produce tremendous strength gains and provide ample recovery time between workouts.

Monday

Monday is a total lower-body day. The Squat is the featured exercise; however, no muscle is neglected. The goal is to prevent any weaknesses from sabotaging performance or causing injury.

• Squat – 1×6 (warm-up), 1×8, 2×6
• Glute Ham Raise – 3×10
• Box Step-Ups – 3×8 each leg
• Single-Leg Curls – 3×10 each leg
• Forward Lunge – 3×8 each leg
• Single-Leg Hip Raise – 3×10 each leg
• Single-Leg Calf Raise – 3×12 each leg
• Core Exercises – 150 reps of any core exercises

Wednesday

On Wednesday, the focus is on the upper body. The chest, shoulders and arms need to be strong for the arm drive, and the back must be strong to support the body, improve posture and reduce the risk of injury.

• Bench Press – 1×6 (warm-up), 1×8, 2×6
• Pull-Ups – 3×10
• Incline Press – 3×8
• Single-Arm Dumbbell Row – 3×10
• Plate Front Raise – 3×12
• Upright Row – 3×10
• Bicep Curls – 3×12
• Tricep Pushdowns – 3×12
• Core Exercises – 150 reps of any core exercises

Friday

Friday workouts combine upper body and lower body lifts. This workout is physically demanding, because it is a total body workout. Therefore, you should give yourself two days of recovery time before you begin lifting again.

• Dumbbell Shrugs – 3×10
• Push-Ups – 3×20
• Leg Press – 3×10
• Rear-Foot-Elevated Push-Ups – 3×10
• Rear-Foot-Elevated Split-Squat – 3×8 each leg
• Single-Leg RDL – 3×8 each leg
• Lat Pulldown – 3×12
• Walking Lunge – 3×8 each leg
• TRX Row – 3×10
• TRX Single-Leg Squat – 3×8 each leg
• Shoulder Press – 3×10
• Core Exercises – 150 reps of any core exercises

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