Athletics (British Sports Library)

SPRINTING 57 We now come to the question of what actual exercises the sprinter should use in training to increase his efficiency. Since it has already been pointed out that the arms and shoulders play no small part in this event, it is obvious that exercises for the strengthening of the torso are desirable. The back and abdominal muscles also need building up, and for this purpose, and also for the improve– ment of the leg muscles in action, Paddock's special exercises (shown in the accompanying sketches, SA and 8B) are of considerable value. In 8A the leg is raised and then extended as for an actual stride ; in 8B the athlete works first as if striding and then as if pedalling a bicycle upside down. For the men who favour the cross-arm action and require to loosen their shoulders, it is advisable to take a piece