A training method and apparatus for athletes that separates running into
vertical and horizontal components. The athlete is positioned on a
horizontal component training device in an upright position. The athlete
contacts the horizontal component training device at a leg pad, a
mid-torso location, and an upper torso location. The athlete sequentially
trains for acceleration at least the hip flexor and the hip extensor
muscles of each leg supramaximally against the leg pad through a sports
specific motion. The athlete also sequentially trains the
stretch-shortening cycle of at least the hip flexor and the hip extensor
muscles of each leg supramaximally against the leg pad through a sports
specific motion to train the stretch shortening component of hip flexion
and hip extension. Training for acceleration is preferably against
hydraulic resistance and training the stretch-shortening cycle is
preferably against isotonic resistance. Next, the athlete is positioned on
a vertical component training device comprising a treadmill and a
stabilizing frame. The athlete is attached to the stabilizing frame. A
vertical load is applied onto the athlete, either directly or indirectly
through the stabilizing frame. The quadriceps and calf muscles of the
athlete are supramaximally trained on the treadmill using a sports
specific motion.
