15/07/2025
Want To Power Up Your Exercise ???
If you don’t just want to do your existing workout regime faster, try adding some of these extras to your training plan.
Medicine ball throws
CrossFit and Hyrox both use the upward variety as a staple of their programming, but there are loads of varieties to try – if you’ve got the space. “One-armed throws, two-armed throws, overheads and slams on the ground are all great ways of generating power,” says Lightfoot. “Just make sure you’re not using a ball that bounces if you’re doing slams.”
Precision jumps
These are a key move in parkour – and a fun way to challenge your body without overdoing it. Pick a point to jump to – a kerb is ideal, but even a line on the floor will do – and then jump to it as accurately as possible, trying not to stumble on the landing. If you make it, shuffle back a bit from your starting point and try again.
Sled work
More and more gyms are including sled tracks, and you don’t need much weight to challenge yourself. Use a sled that allows you to move at a decent speed, and push or pull it for 10-20 metres, rest for a minute, then go again.
Inverted pulls
Pulling can be tricky to do with power – unless you’ve got enough strength in reserve to do an explosive pull-up – but using a suspension trainer is a great option, allowing you to put a little bit of oomph into each rep. Stand a decent distance from an overhead anchor point (your body should be at about 45 degrees from the ground) and pull hard on each rep.
Kettlebell swings
Almost every kettlebell move requires power to do properly: if you’re using your shoulders for the movement, you’re doing it wrong. To get your swing working, drive your hips forward and keep your arms loose, like ropes connecting your body to the bell.
For something more structured, the Results Inc head coach, Callum Roberts, has put together two workouts that you can do at home, without any equipment. Warm up first – a practice rep or two of each move will do.
Workout one: speed
“These exercises are all about controlled explosiveness, and moving with intent – good for when you need that extra push, such as picking up a wriggling toddler or hoisting a box into the loft,” says Roberts. “After a brief pause at the bottom of each, drive up as fast as you can, and repeat each move three times, for three to five sets. Rest for two minutes between sets. You shouldn’t feel out of breath, but your body needs to recover fully to maximise power.”
Sprinter step-back
Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, then step one foot back into a deep lunge, driving the opposite arm forward (as if you’re on the start line for a race), and keeping your front knee stacked over your ankle. Push through your front heel to drive back up to standing, and alternate sides. If you’re confident, try sprinter lunges, where you alternate from one side to the other without touching the ground in between.
Power press-up
Do this one on a wall, kitchen counter, sofa or the floor, depending on how powerful you are feeling. Set your hands just wider than shoulder-width apart, engage your core and lower with control. Now explode upwards into the rep. Ideally, your hands should briefly leave whatever you’re pressing off, but just moving quickly is fine. Catch yourself softly and repeat.
Paused squat jump (or squat to heel raise)
Sink into a squat and pause, holding it for a second. Now drive up – jump off the ground (no tuck), land soft, and drop right back into the next pause. This isn’t about rushing – it’s about control into power. No jump today? No problem. Rise up to the balls of your feet in a strong heel raise and lower under control.
Workout two: reactive power
“These movements help your body react quickly, and stay relaxed and springy,” says Roberts. “They’re good for balance, coordination and staying agile. Aim to minimise the amount of time spent on the floor.” Do five reps per side, for three to five sets. Rest for one to two minutes between sets.
Forward scissors
Stand tall, with your arms up as if you’re ready to sprint. Now, think quick feet – one foot forward, one foot back – staying light as you switch quickly between positions. Keep your upper body steady while the legs do the work. Need to slow it down? Step rather than jump, and make the movement faster over a few sessions.
High plank shoulder taps
The high plank is basically the top of a press-up: your shoulders should be over your wrists, your heels driving back, and core locked in. Now, without shifting your hips, tap one shoulder with the opposite hand. Then switch. Keep your glutes tight, and your body in a straight line from head to heel. Strong and still is better than fast and wobbly.
Lateral pogos
Start with your feet together, knees soft and core braced. Now bounce from side to side as if you’re skipping over an invisible line. This should all come from the ankles and calves – keep your heels just off the ground and stay springy. Eyes forward, chest out, arms relaxed at your sides. You are training agility and power here – small jumps, big control. Need to ease in? Just step from side to side using one foot at a time.