The Short, Sharp Workout I Give to Almost Every Athlete I Coach

"It’s not about loving running. It’s about what 20 seconds uphill teaches your brain, legs, and lungs." — Iñaki

Every week, almost all the athletes I coach do hill strides.
Even the ones who don’t like running.
Even the ones training for motorsports, team sports, cycling, triathlon, swimming, or strength-based sports.
I’d also include the military and law enforcement operators I’ve coached through the years.

Why?

Because this simple habit makes them stronger, faster, and harder to break.
And it works.

Let me explain in simple words.

1. Running is a basic human skill

You don’t need to become a runner.
But if you want to move better in sport or in life, you should run a bit.

Running teaches your body how to coordinate muscles, manage impact, and move with rhythm.
It’s full-body work. It connects the brain to movement. It builds efficiency.

Even if you swim, bike, lift, or hike, short running helps.

2. Why short uphill strides?

A hill stride is a controlled sprint uphill for 20 to 30 seconds. You walk back down to recover. Start with 4 to 8 reps. If you're very strong, you can build up to 12, but beyond that the benefits start to level off.
You focus on good form. Not effort. Not speed. Not looking cool.

It’s safe. It’s short. It sharpens you.

What do you get?

1. Better form: Uphill running teaches good mechanics without overthinking.

2. Less injury: Less impact than running fast on flat ground.

3. More strength: Your glutes and hamstrings do the work.

4. Neuromuscular sharpness: You move fast without fatigue.

5. Free power: You get stronger over time without lifting weights.

You train your nervous system, your posture, your bounce, and your precision in just a few minutes.

3. But I’m not a runner