Forget the Gym - Try Hill Sprints Instead

Most people seem to think that you need an expensive gym membership in order to get into great shape. The fact of the matter is that you can get an incredibly effective workout for free. One way to get into incredible shape without any expensive equipment is to run hill sprints. Hill sprints are an excellent form of exercise for three reasons.

Hills sprints can be done anywhere you find an incline

Hills can be found in abundance in most parts of the country. Even in areas where there are no hills one can find a suitable substitute in stadium steps, or in flights of stairs in tall buildings.

Hills sprints boost natural levels of HGH

HGH (human growth hormone) is an essential hormone that the body produces to help with tissue repair and muscle growth. Although HGH levels reduce as we age, humans can increase their HGH levels naturally by doing the proper exercise routine. Hill sprints meet all of the criteria for exercise is recommended to boost HGH levels. To boost natural levels of HGH the exercise should:

Have repetitions that last less than 30 seconds. Hill sprints are short and sweet. You don't have to run any longer than 75 meters, which should take less than 25 seconds.

The exercise should involve several major muscle groups. Hill sprints force you to activate muscles throughout your entire body.

The exercise should be completed at a high intensity. After doing a couple of hill sprints the high intensity of the exercise will be apparent.

Hill sprints provide an effective workout in half the time

Because of the intensity of hill sprints, you can complete a highly effective workout in a relatively short period of time. You don't have to endure long, tedious workouts to achieve the results you desire.

Constructing a hill sprint workout

Start out with a warm up of five minutes of jogging. Then go through a gentle stretching routine. Do not hold your stretches to the point of discomfort. Try for a pleasant, comfortable stretching of the muscles.

Your workout should consist of 10-15 hill sprints that are 50m-75m in length. Let your body fully recover between each sprint. After the workout, cool down by jogging for five minutes. End the workout by stretching out. This time you can try for a greater stretch as your muscles will be more elastic after the workout is completed.

Not everyone will be ready to start sprinting up hills right away. If it has been a while since you have done any intense training you should start slow. Remember to consult a physician before starting any exercise routine. Proceed cautiously and work up to hill sprints with the following progression:

- Walk up the hill

- Jog up the hills

- Run up the hill

- Sprint up the hillComplete this hill sprint workout no more than 2-3 times per week. Make sure not to exceed 15 repetitions. Work you way into this hill sprint workout and soon you will be on your way to reaching to you fitness goals.