Strength Training for Runners: 9 Exercises You Must Know

In addition to correct sports nutrition, strength training is an essential element that runners often neglect. Strength training provides several benefits:

• strong core,
• leg stability,
• durable ligaments,
• fewer injuries,
• better results.

Long running training sessions increase stress levels in your body and drain your glycogen stores, which among other things weakens your immune system and hinders muscle recovery after workout.

Strength exercise can, to a certain degree, alleviate the stress of running. Keep reading to discover the most important strength exercises every runner should know.

Strength exercises for runners

Here are the 9 essential strength exercises for runners that you should perform on a regular basis. Consistency is key.

The exercises can be adapted to your fitness level both in terms of the number of repetitions or the length of exercise and the variation of each exercise (each exercise is presented in its easy and hard variation).

1. PLANK

Enter plank position, lean on your elbows. Be careful not to keep your hips too low.

Easy variation: keep position on your elbows.

Advanced variation: touch opposite shoulder with your hand, switch hands.

Exercise duration: 15 to 30 seconds.

2. CALF RAISE

Use a step or surface edge. Bring weight on your heel and rise up onto your toes.

Easy variation: rise up on both legs.

Advanced variation: rise up on one leg.

Number of repetitions: 8 to 12.

3. SIDE PLANK

Enter plank position and lean on one elbow (lateral).

Easy variation: keep position on one elbow.

Advanced variation: raise and lower hips.

Exercise duration: 10 to 20 seconds.

4. SQUATS

Step apart, your feet pointed slightly outwards. Lower your hips into a squat. Your weight is mostly on your heels (you can support your heels with approximately 2 cm of elevation). Be careful that your knees don't go over your toes and that your back is as straight as possible.

Easy variation: use your body weight.

Advanced variation: use weights.

Number of repetitions: 10 to 20. 

5. SUPERMAN

Lie down on your stomach. Simultaneously lift your arms and legs.

Easy variation: elevate only your arms.

Advanced variation: elevate both arms and legs without touching the ground.

Exercise duration: 15 to 30 seconds.

6. GLUTE BRIDGE

Lie on your back, bend your legs, and raise your hips.

Easy variation: keep both feet on the ground.

Advanced variation: keep one foot on the ground.

Number of repetitions: 10 to 15.

7. CRUNCHES

Lie on your back, bend your legs. Elevate only the upper part of your body (the lower back touches the ground). Look at the ceiling.

Easy variation: use your body weight.

Advanced variation: use weights on your chest.

Number of repetitions: 10 to 20.

8. WALKING LUNGE

From a standing position, make a long step forward and return to initial position. Be careful that your knees don't go over your toes.

Easy variation: use your own weight.

Advanced variation: hold weights in your hands.

Number of repetitions: 6 to 10.

9. SINGLE LEG GLUTE BRIDGE

Lie on your back. Fold one leg at around three quarters of the extended leg. Raise hips and maintain position. Alternate each leg a few seconds.

Easy variation: maintain position.

Advanced variation: raise hips quickly several times.

Number of repetitions: 5 times each leg.

Conclusion

In addition to correct nutrition, strength exercises are a crucial element to sustain your running performance.

Strength exercises allow you to strengthen your core, acquire leg stability, improve ligament strength, reduce chance of injuries, and improve your athletic results.