As a sports physiologist, I can tell you that sprinting is a full-body effort that requires not only leg strength but also a significant contribution from the upper body. The upper body plays a crucial role in sprinting by providing the power to drive the body forward and maintaining balance and posture throughout the race. Here are the key muscles in the upper body that are important for sprinting:


1. Trapezius (Traps): These muscles are vital for maintaining an upright posture and for the initial explosive push off the starting blocks. They help in pulling the arms down and back, which is essential for generating force.


2. Pectoralis Major (Pecs): The pectoral muscles are important for the arm drive phase of sprinting. They help in pulling the arms forward and add to the overall power output during the sprint.


3. Deltoids (Shoulders): The shoulders play a significant role in the arm swing and in stabilizing the arm during the sprint. They work in conjunction with the pecs and triceps to generate force.


4. Triceps Brachii: The triceps are crucial for the extension phase of the arm swing. They help in pushing the arms back, which is essential for maintaining momentum and speed.


5. Latissimus Dorsi (Lats): These muscles are part of the upper back and are instrumental in pulling movements. They assist in maintaining stability and balance, especially during the acceleration phase.


6. Biceps Brachii: While not as prominent as some of the other muscles, the biceps do contribute to the pulling phase of the arm swing, helping to bring the arms forward.

7.
Rotator Cuff: This group of muscles and tendons surrounds the shoulder joint and is essential for stabilizing the arm during the high-speed arm swing of sprinting.

8.
Core Muscles: Although not strictly part of the upper body, the core muscles are integral to sprinting performance. They provide the foundation for the upper body movements and help in maintaining balance and generating the rotational force needed for sprinting.

9.
Forearms and Grip Strength: The forearms and grip strength are important for holding onto the starting blocks and for the overall grip on the ground during the push-off phase.

Training these muscles through a combination of strength, power, and endurance exercises can significantly improve sprint performance. It's also important to integrate these exercises with sprint-specific drills to ensure that the strength translates into functional sprinting power.

Remember, while the upper body muscles are crucial, they work in conjunction with the lower body to create a cohesive and powerful sprinting motion. Therefore, a balanced training program that addresses both the upper and lower body is essential for any sprinter looking to improve their performance.

read more >>

No. The entire upper body is quite important for sprinting. Having strong, explosive pecs, shoulders, and triceps is essential to a competitive sprinter and athlete in general. Also, the upper back muscles, such as lats and traps are essential in maintaining stability and good form along with the core, while sprinting.read more >>