By Ashton Johnson, B.S. Public Health, Health and Exercise Sciences | Personal Trainers Near Edina MN
Rugby is a demanding sport that requires players to have the perfect combination of speed, power, strength, and endurance. According to topendsports.com, Rugby players are just shy of the fittest athletes in the sports world. With this in mind, why wouldn’t you want to train like a Rugby player? Include the following exercises into your next workout, and you’ll be able to hit the pitch in no time!
Bent over rows
Bent over rows are a great way to work the often underdeveloped muscles of the back. Holding the bent over position also forces you to engage your core muscles, further developing trunk strength. The bent over position, with an engaged core is one of the most common positions for players during a game.
Sled Push
Sled pushes are a great way to build speed and power, with the added benefit of overall conditioning. In Rugby, whether it’s a tackle, ruck, scrum, or maul, one key factor to the game is being able to drive your feet.
Push Press
Unlike other contact sport athletes, Rugby players don’t wear pads. Strong shoulders are essential to a player’s safety. Push press allows you to add size and strength to your shoulders with the added benefit of enhancing your athleticism through powerful movements. This action can be seen on the field by players lifting other players during a lineout, or kickoff.
Lateral Med Ball Wall Slams
Having a strong core is very important, even outside of Rugby. Wall slams will help strengthen your core, and increase explosive power. Since the ball is only allowed to be passed laterally in the game of Rugby, developing good rotational core strength will help give you all the power you need to have a world class pass.