Are you ready to take your running performance to the next level? Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a novice just starting to run, incorporating strength training into your routine can make a huge difference. At One Life Personal Training, we’re passionate about helping you become the strongest, fittest version of yourself, both inside the gym and out.
Here are 5 tips to help you become a better runner.
- Prioritize Functional Movements:
Functional movements should be the bread and butter of your strength training, especially for runners. These exercises mimic the natural movements you’ll encounter while running and help build the specific muscle groups you need to run faster and stay injury free. Focus on exercises like barbell back squats, heavy sled pushes, front rack step-ups, and deadlifts to strengthen your legs, hips, and glutes, enhancing your power and stability with every stride.
- Embrace CrossFit Style Workouts:
For runners seeking variety and intensity, CrossFit-style workouts offer the perfect blend of cardio, strength training, and bodyweight exercises. These high-intensity sessions not only improve overall fitness but also enhance agility, endurance, and mental toughness—essential qualities for running. Incorporate workouts that include elements like kettlebell swings, box jumps, rowing intervals, and bodyweight circuits to improve your overall stamina and endurance.
- Strengthen Your Core:
A strong core is the secret weapon of every successful athlete and runner. A stable core not only improves running form and efficiency but also reduces the risk of injury by providing support and alignment throughout your entire kinetic chain. Incorporate core-focused exercises into your routine, such as front and side planks, Russian twists, hanging leg raises, and hollow body holds, to target your abdominals, obliques, and lower back muscles, building strength and resilience with every step.
- Add Plyometrics To The Mix:
Plyometric exercises are a powerful tool for enhancing explosive power and agility, critical components of sprinting and accelerating during a run. By incorporating plyometrics into your training, you’ll improve your ability to generate force and propel yourself forward with greater speed and efficiency. Include exercises like jump squats, box jumps, single-leg bounds, and plyometric push-ups to develop fast-twitch muscle fibers and boost your performance.
- Practice Mindful Recovery:
Recovery is the often-overlooked cornerstone of effective training and long-term success as a runner. Proper rest, nutrition, and recovery techniques are essential for repairing muscle tissue, reducing inflammation, and preventing overuse injuries. Incorporate strategies such as ice baths, sauna, and recovery workouts into your routine to promote blood flow, flexibility, and relaxation, ensuring that your body stays primed and resilient for your next run.
By incorporating these comprehensive strength training tips into your routine, you’ll build the strength, endurance, and resilience you need to become a faster, more efficient runner. Ready to elevate your running game to new heights? Our team at One Life Personal Training is here to support you every step of the way!
Stay strong,
Tim.
PS: When you’re ready here are 2 ways we can help.
1. Come workout with us! Book your FREE no sweat intro consultation here. You’ll talk with a coach and come up with a plan together.
2. Download our 4 Week Leg Strength Program here.
