Either pistol or shrimp squats are very demanding single leg movements. The ability to do one of these exercises will have a major strength impact on your stability & glutes, thighs, back and abdominal muscles.
However, which one would bring more benefit to a sprinter in general?
Having specific knowledge of a movement requirements, enables us to improve it. Simply working in the correct muscle groups doesn’t mean the results will be gained. We must analyse the specific strength positions in any sport, and also how to reverse a dysfunction pattern or how to enhance an activity to achieve best results.
A pistol squat, is a deep single leg squat incorporating the rounding of the lower back.
A shrimp squat however, is a single leg 90 degrees angle squat with the lower back in a extension position. This correlates more efficiently to the biomechanics and power of a sprinters starting movements.
In my view, any movement/exercise programme must be tailored specifically to the clients/athlete needs.
Even though we may be working with the same muscle groups, the body alignments are different so the results will also be different. These details in programme design are what differentiate a champion to second place in a competition or optimal performance to just performance.
This must be understood to be able to attain a faster and better results for athletes or any general exercises enthusiasts.
Diego Core
Movement and Wellness, Expert, Tutor, Writer & International Speaker,
and Founder of The Field – Training Lifestyle Centre