Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen shares his exercise routine in one of his Instagram reels. (Screengrabs | AP)
Two-times Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen has revealed the secret behind his powerful smashes and his incredible agility in the badminton court. The 30-year-old in a 54-second reel he shared on Instagram has given a sneak peak of his training regime.
In the video, Axelsen has shared two of his exercise routines.
Trap bar Exercise
3-4 Sets
8-12 Reps
Axerlsen says the trap and bar exercise is the key behind his powerful smashes. It gives him the perfect amount of balance and strengthens his legs, which are crucial when he goes for a smash and has suggested the budding shuttlers add it to their routine to level up their game.
“Trap bar exercise can be a game changer for badminton players,” he said.
“It’s a great alternative to squats and deadlifts.
“Building strong legs and explosive strength boosting balance plus it gives you the power you need for a stronger jump smash.”
Bulgarian split squats or Dumbbell Lunges
3 Sets – Each Leg
6-8 reps
In the second part of the video, Axelsen explains why the Bulgarian split squats or dumbbell lunges are perfect for badminton athletes and how over the years it has enhanced his agility.
“They build single leg strength enhance balance and improve agility,” he explained.
Paris: India’s Lakshya Sen (blue) during the Men’s Singles Semifinal badminton match against Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in Paris, France, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary)
“Key for quick direction changes on the court, plus they help prevent injuries by enhancing stabilizer muscles.”
Axelsen and social media
The Dane is also attuned to the power of social media and its ability to help grow badminton’s popularity, with one million followers on Instagram and both Weibo and TikTok accounts.
“I don’t take lightly the visibility that social networks offer me. It’s a good opportunity to introduce my sport and make a name for myself as well,” he was quoted by AFP.
Axelsen, the Olympic champion
Earlier this month, Axelsen defended his men’s singles title Monday by beating Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand for the gold medal. Axelsen defeated Vitidsarn 21-11, 21-11 in the final in just 52 minutes.
Axelsen became the first European to win back-to-back badminton singles gold at the Olympics. Like in Tokyo three years ago, his medal in Paris is the only one earned by a European in the sport.
