22/01/2025
Surf the Force-Velocity Curve 🌊🏋️♂️
Ever heard of the force-velocity curve? It’s a fancy way of saying your muscles can work in different ways depending on how heavy the weight is and how fast you move it. Understanding this curve can help you train smarter and build strength, speed, and power like never before.
Let’s break it down:
The force-velocity curve shows the relationship between force (how heavy) and velocity (how fast):
🏋️♂️ High Force, Low Velocity: Think heavy lifts like squats or deadlifts at 90–100% of your 1RM. Slow and steady, but building pure strength.
🏃♂️ Low Force, High Velocity: Explosive movements like sprints or plyometrics. Light load, maximum speed!
⚡️ In the Middle: Olympic lifts, jump squats, and medicine ball throws. These blend strength and speed for power.
Why should you "surf the curve"? 🌊
If you only train one part of the curve, you’ll leave gaps in your performance. For example:
Only lifting heavy? You’ll be strong but slow.
Only doing plyos? You’ll be fast but lack the strength to apply that speed effectively.
By hitting every part of the curve, you’ll:
✅ Build strength AND speed.
✅ Improve athletic performance.
✅ Reduce the risk of injury by making your body more well-rounded.
How to start surfing the curve:
1️⃣ Max Strength (85–100% 1RM): Deadlifts, squats, bench press.
2️⃣ Strength-Speed (60–85% 1RM): Olympic lifts, sled pushes.
3️⃣ Speed-Strength (30–60% 1RM): Jump squats, medicine ball throws.
4️⃣ Max Velocity (