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Push to Run

A burpee-style transition drill: drop to a push-up, then explode up directly into a sprint, training the ground-to-run transition used in sport and conditioning tests.

CardioBodyweightGround-to-sprint transition
GoLightWeight mediapush-to-run

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

QuadricepsPectoralis major

Secondary

GlutesHip flexorsTricepsCore

Equipment

Bodyweight

Pattern

Ground-to-sprint transition

Setup

  1. 01Clear a runway of at least 5 to 10 meters in front of you.
  2. 02Start standing tall at the start of the runway.
  3. 03Brace the trunk before dropping to the floor.
  4. 04Decide the sprint distance for each rep in advance.

Execution

  1. 01Drop down through a squat and kick the feet back into a push-up position.
  2. 02Perform one full push-up with a rigid body line.
  3. 03Drive the feet up under the hips and explode forward into a run.
  4. 04Sprint the set distance, walk back, and repeat.

Checkpoints

  • -The push-up keeps a straight line from head to heels.
  • -The first running steps are short and punchy with a forward lean.
  • -The transition from floor to sprint has no pause at the top.
  • -Each rep starts from a fully reset standing position.

Common mistakes

  • -Snaking the push-up with hips lagging behind the chest.
  • -Standing fully upright before starting to run, killing the acceleration angle.
  • -Overstriding the first sprint steps.
  • -Letting fatigue turn the sprint into a jog while still counting it as a hard rep.

Programming notes

  • -Use 6 to 10 reps with 10 to 20 meter sprints and full walk-back recovery for power conditioning.
  • -Use shorter 5 meter bursts in circuits when space is limited.
  • -Keep total sprint volume modest; quality of each acceleration is the point.

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