Strength Training for Runners

Running has never been more popular. From beginners looking to get their first 10k to more seasoned runners pushing into half and full marathons. This, like any training goal requires training to improve. Tempo runs, zone 2 and intervals are all terms you may see when you’re looking for a running training program. What you may not see is the significant positive impact strength training can have on your running performance.

Here’s a number of ways strength training can help your running:

INCREASED LOWER BODY STRENGTH AND COORDINATION

To improve at running, you need to run. However, there are methods we can use to support that primary goal. Resistance training is going to be a fantastic tool to help increase strength in our lower body to support our running goals. Stronger quads, hamstrings and calves should have a positive transfer to performance. Running is also a single leg exercise. We can replicate this with our strength training too. Lunges, step ups and split squats are all great exercises to increase coordination.

REDUCES INJURY RISK

Running is a repetitive action that challenges similar movement patterns, joints and muscles over your chosen distance/time. In order to support this effort, strengthening these areas for your training can have a positive impact. Each stride creates impact and over time can create wear and tear. With our strength training, we can take joints through a full range of motion, train our muscles through a full stretch and contraction as well as load bones end to end.

IMPROVE BODY COMPOSITION

Resistance training is a great tool for fat loss as well. Building lean muscle is a great method to help in the reduction of body fat alongside a nutrition plan to support whatever goal you have.