This post contains Affiliate links. See Disclosure for details. Opinions are my own.
It’s Important For Runners To Strength Train
So to be honest, I ran for a long time before I added strength training to my fitness routine. And if I had known how important it was to strength train, I would have started much earlier. Especially when I was training for big races like my half-marathon. But I didn’t and lesson learned!
Strength training is not just for people who are looking to tone muscles or bulk-up. It can play a big role in your running and your run performance. And if you truly want to be athletic, you need to do more than just run. Strength training has me focusing on other areas such as balance, flexibility, and strength. All of which makes me a much better runner.
So, do you find yourself getting the same running injuries over and over? Or have you been running for a while but not getting any faster? It’s time to start strength training.
Help Tight Muscles
Due to the nature of running, it is really easy to overuse very specific muscles. This overuse is what leads to cramping, often in the calf muscles. But when you strength train you can focus on different muscles to support your body and give those fatigued muscles some downtime. You’ll improve your conditioning and range of motion all of which will help to prevent cramping.
Improve Running Muscles
Strength training helps to build lean muscle. And it is that lean muscle that helps your body to run at its best. It will also help to keep your body balanced which will improve your agility and speed.
Help You Run Faster
Want to increase your speed? Strength training will help you to run faster. And it’s only natural to want to quicken your pace the longer you run. By doing specific moves, such as deadlifts, lunges, bridges and core exercises, you’ll improve the power of your stride.
Remember that you don’t need to be lifting a lot of weight, oftentimes your body weight is enough. But if you want to build serious lean muscle and become a strong runner, lifting at least 8-10lb while strength training will help immensely.
Help Prevent Injury
When you strength train you help to prevent unnecessary injury. Strength training makes your muscles and connective tissue stronger throughout your body. And building the muscles around your joints will make for more stability throughout your run. And as mentioned above, when you strength train you strengthen weaker muscles rather than only building up your running muscles. This results in a more balanced body. And a balanced body is much less likely to get injured.
Stronger Core
A strong core will not only improve your overall posture but also improve your speed as well. You don’t need to be ripped or have a 6-pack but building up your core strength has its benefits. Building up your core muscles will keep your body from rocking or wobbling while you run. Plus, a strong core is what will help you keep form when fatigue starts to set in.
Best Strength Training Exercises For Runners
If you’re a fitness program person (like me!) I recommend 80 Day Obsession or Liift4 as complementary programs to running. However, if you’re more likely to run on a treadmill at the gym, here are some great strength training exercises to try.
Dumbbell Exercises:
Core Strength Workouts:
Glute and Lower Body Exercises:
Have you added strength training to your routine?
- Starting A NEW Fitness Journey At Nearly 40 Years Old! - 06/09/2024
- 30-Day Walking Challenge For Beginners - 12/05/2024
- 3 Simple Things That Healthy People Who DON’T Diet Do Differently - 10/05/2024
