30 May Top 5 Strength Exercises For Runners

Successful running is more than just running. If you are a runner….you know what this means. Muscle strengthening is a key component of a successful and joyful running experience. Strength exercises for runners are essential for optimal functioning in order to achieve the best results.

Supplementing running with muscle strengthening will provide you the proper foundation, so your body can withstand higher demands, perform better, and more importantly, avoid injuries.

A muscle strengthening routine should always be included to make you stronger, faster, and more efficient runner. There is a wide range of exercises than can help a runner, but we consider these five as the top strength exercises for runners:

      1.Squat (barbell or dumbbell)

Squats are one of the most (if not the most) complete functional of the leg workouts. Besides helping in areas such as increasing entire body strength & muscle, improving circulation, helping with better posture, building core strength, and other benefits, squatting is really helpful for the whole functioning of the body.

“You don’t need to necessarily be at the gym, squatting can be done anywhere and at anytime”

This is how squatting should be done

      2. Deadlift

This is another highly complete workouts. This workout engages all of the major muscle groups. If you need to do one exercise, this is the one to do. The Deadlift works lower and upper body, including a focus on your back muscles, Glutes, hips, and hamstrings. This exercise is one of our favorites!

“A strong back will support everything else you do”

This is how deadlift should be done

      3. Walking Lunge

This exercise also provides a great deal of benefits for runners such as: helps improve balance, boosts functionality, symmetrical toning, improves hip flexibility, great deal of toning of gluteal muscles, improves core stability.

What is a good lunge? Check it out

      4. Push-ups

Contrary to what people think of this exercise, Push-ups not only work for your chest, they also do a great job on your abs, triceps, shoulders and torso. This exercise is great for runners since they improve muscular endurance within the upper body, strengthen both muscles and bones, create lean muscle mass that raises your metabolism and helps you keep fit and healthy.

5. Planks

Last but not least, planks are an essential exercise for runners as they improve core conditioning and also works your glutes and hamstrings, supports proper posture, and improves balance. This exercise yields great results when done regularly.

“Planks are also called: The perfect full body drill”