4 Strength Training Exercises for Runners & Their Benefits

While running faster and further may seem like the surest method to improve your running performance, strength training is also key. Doing strength training exercises for runners can help you to push with more power, run with more stability, and improve your overall form and efficiency. Check out the exercises below and find out how they will benefit your running performance.

Strength Training Exercises for Runners: Benefits & Exercises

Benefit 1: You run more efficiently

A stable torso is crucial for efficient running form. Abs and back muscles (core) play a major role. If these are too weak, your body will be forced to compensate. A strong upper body guarantees a smooth transfer of the force generated from your arms to your legs. Efficient running form helps you run faster and expend less energy.

Exercise 1: Low Plank

This full-body exercise is a great way to strengthen your abs and back muscles. By tensing your entire body, you engage all your muscles and improve your posture. Start by doing a low planks for 20 seconds and increase the duration as you get stronger.

Benefit 2: You become more flexible

Bodyweight training exercises are usually complex and strengthen more than just your muscles. If done properly, they also strengthen your mobility and agility. In general, flexibility is always a combination of strengthening, mobilization and stretching.

Exercise 2: Lunge to High Knee

The starting position is a reverse lunge. When you stand up again, pull your knee up toward your chin. Balance on your other leg. Repeat this combination of moves 8 to 12 times and then switch sides. This exercise improves your balance and flexibility. Your back should not be arched or hunched.

Benefit 3: You reduce stress on your spine

Back pain is a common problem among runners. The main reason is weak abs and back muscles. Every time you run, your spine is subjected to small impacts. These cause your intervertebral discs to lose fluid and shrink, thus reducing their ability to absorb the shock from running. When we sleep, this fluid is replenished and the discs return to their original size. The stronger your core is, the longer your spine can benefit from its stabilizing effect.

Exercise 3: Bridge

In this exercise, you lie on your back with both feet flat on the floor, positioned one hand’s length from your glutes. Lift your hips off the ground until your knees, hips, and back form a straight line. Lower them again. Repeat this 8 to 12 times. Keep your legs and glutes tightened throughout the exercise.

Benefit 4: You lower your risk of injury

Many runners’ problems (runner’s knee, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, etc.) are the result of muscle imbalances. These are often caused by focusing on only one activity or improper technique. To compensate for these imbalances, you should make strengthening and stabilization exercises a regular part of your running training. These can help improve your running form and thus lower the risk of injury.

Exercise 4: Single Leg Reach to Shin

This exercise builds core stability and improves your balance. All the leg muscles are trained here, which is great for reducing hip and knee problems. Keep your upper body straight with a neutral spine and your leg stretched as you bend forward, hinging at the hip. 

You’re ready to run! Join the Run For The Oceans challenge and get in your cardio for a good cause. Every kilometer you run will help fight marine plastic pollution. 

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