![CUT TO THE QUICK CUT TO THE QUICK](https://cdn.magzter.com/Men's Fitness/1737708369/articles/h2dEkwLAp1737722789905/CUT-TO-THE-QUICK.jpg)
When thinking of 'agility W training', many envisage footballers running around cones or Formula One drivers hitting flashing light pods. But this type of training is not just for the elite athletes among us - and incorporating it into our regular workouts can offer myriad physical and cognitive benefits.
Sounds intriguing - but what exactly is it? "Agility training focuses on enhancing a person's ability to quickly change direction, maintain balance, and react to dynamic situations," explains Daniel Herman, a speed, agility, and quickness coach and founder of Bio-Synergy. "It emphasises speed, balance, coordination, and the ability to accelerate and decelerate efficiently." Compared to strength or endurance training, he highlights that agility concentrates more on dynamic movement patterns and responsiveness.
Agility training blends physical movement with rapid cognitive processing - and Michael Cummings, a strength and conditioning coach and director of education at BlazePod, says this combination makes the practice particularly effective. "To me, that's the biggest factor," he states. "Not only are you training your physical ability strength, speed, power - you're [also] decision-making and problem-solving."
Making gains
Plenty of research has explored the impacts of agility training on various aspects of physical health and fitness. As this type of training targets various muscle groups, requires strength and force, and gets the heart rate up, it's hardly a surprise the benefits are wide-reaching. For instance, research of those undergoing military training in the US found that individuals who focused on agility exercises enjoyed equal or better general fitness levels compared to those who focused solely on running and calisthenics.
This story is from the February 2025 edition of Men's Fitness UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2025 edition of Men's Fitness UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![SCIENCE SAYS...EXERCISE CAN HELP IMPROVE MEMORY SCIENCE SAYS...EXERCISE CAN HELP IMPROVE MEMORY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1972365/NwME79pAj1737724142288/SCIENCE-SAYSEXERCISE-CAN-HELP-IMPROVE-MEMORY.jpg)
SCIENCE SAYS...EXERCISE CAN HELP IMPROVE MEMORY
We all know that exercise W delivers proven physical benefits. Most smart watches can tell us whether our endurance levels are improving. But what about the mental health benefits? These metrics have always been more anecdotal - and therefore harder to measure.
![DON'T DROP THE BOMB DON'T DROP THE BOMB](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1972365/d5xC5a9YF1737721992268/DONT-DROP-THE-BOMB.jpg)
DON'T DROP THE BOMB
Could a 100g post-workout protein-bomb actually work?New science has just overturned the standard advice on protein with some surprising results for post-workout nutrition
![ROLL WITH IT ROLL WITH IT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1972365/VUyukvQb91737718674298/ROLL-WITH-IT.jpg)
ROLL WITH IT
It won't have escaped your notice that the equipment inventory for most gyms now includes recovery items such as foam rollers, massage guns and spikey balls, all of which can be used in self-myofascial release, which growing evidence suggests is essential for maintaining your muscles in peak condition.
![DUMBBELLS & GYM BALL INTRODUCTION DUMBBELLS & GYM BALL INTRODUCTION](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1972365/VMLbRIZWf1737723624838/DUMBBELLS-GYM-BALL-INTRODUCTION.jpg)
DUMBBELLS & GYM BALL INTRODUCTION
A set of dumbbells and a gym ball can give you serious muscle gains
![EVERYTHING'S GONE GREEN EVERYTHING'S GONE GREEN](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1972365/1SMJzmrfe1737719582191/EVERYTHINGS-GONE-GREEN.jpg)
EVERYTHING'S GONE GREEN
A new breed of eco-friendly running shoe is hitting the streets. We take a look at the main contenders
![THE HIGHS & LOWS THE HIGHS & LOWS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1972365/ogEtbK8LD1737722186791/THE-HIGHS-LOWS.jpg)
THE HIGHS & LOWS
Following on from the success of his Sunday Times bestselling The Good Bite's High-Protein Meal-Prep Manual, Niall Kirkland is back with a new collection of delicious and indulgent high-protein recipes - all under 500 calories.
![Confessions of a HYROX VIRGIN Confessions of a HYROX VIRGIN](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1972365/yE99T4eFf1737721184491/CONFESSIONS-OF-A-HYROX-VIRGIN.jpg)
Confessions of a HYROX VIRGIN
Turning a cyclist into a runner is one thing, but can you target a Hyrox in four months in your fifties? Frank Bauer finds out
![THE GYM COMMANDMENTS THE GYM COMMANDMENTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1972365/kHKvmlQk71737723192045/THE-GYM-COMMANDMENTS.jpg)
THE GYM COMMANDMENTS
To get bigger, stronger or leaner, you must master the basics of training. Adhere to these ten rules from the best in the business and build a better body
![RETREAT INTO YOURSELF RETREAT INTO YOURSELF](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1972365/ThjSErrI71737720799508/RETREAT-INTO-YOURSELF.jpg)
RETREAT INTO YOURSELF
Allowing yourself time to retreat from the everyday can have a powerful impact on your mental wellbeing. Joe Minihane investigates