Today on Tuesdays on the Run, we are chatting about core strength and workouts for your core.
Many runners (ok, I’m referring to myself here) neglect any sort of core work, in favor of just running. Yet a strong core is important for running, especially for long distance running. A strong core will help you with your running form at all points in the run, but it is vital to your form as you tire. If you focus on core strength in your workouts and have a strong core, you are less likely to start to slouch and have other form issues as you head into the last miles of a long run or race. Preserving your running form via a strong core will help protect you from injury as well. Conclusion? A strong core increases your power, enhances your endurance, and decreases your risk of injury. Obviously, we should all be working on our core strength!
So, how do you build that strong core? There are lots of exercises out there, but where do you go to pick the right ones? A full body class like Pilates or Pure Barre or yoga will certainly help. I know when I’m doing one of those, my core is way stronger than it is now when I’m “just” running. I’ve also pulled a few workouts off of pinterest or You Tube, but be careful with that as sometimes you get what you pay for. There are also plenty of blog articles and magazine articles with suggestions.
I’ve pulled together a small list of running specific core strength workouts from reputable sources for you (disclaimer: I am not a trainer. I’ve also never done any of these. Proceed at your own risk):
- Build Running-Specific Core Stability via Runners World
- Four Key Core Exercises for Runners via Competitor
- How to Build a Runner’s Core via World Running
- Core Strength Training for Runners via Livestrong
- Building a Strong Core via Mizuno USA
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I’ll have to check these out! I’m a well rounded runner, as in I do regulate yoga, strength training, yadda yadda, but I still suffer on again, off again IT issues, which unfortunately are on again.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…My favorite yoga core DVDs
Somehow I manage to get away with doing nothing but running and still don’t get injured often. I’m sure that will come back to haunt me one day.
I always love finding new core exercise! I have worked with a chiropractors and PTs who have given me lots of suggested exercises, but sometimes its nice to change things up. I definitely notice a big difference in my running when I am doing core work regularly.
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…Core Strength For Runners + Weekly Workout Recap
Ugh, you are all making me feel guilty for not ever doing core work…
The best core exercise for me is plank. It’s tough but seems to have the most pay off. I just don’t do it daily like I should!
Melanie@runnergirlinarockingworld.com recently posted…Fitness Traps 2
I hear you – I don’t even do it weekly LOL.
YES cross-training in general is so important for runners! I have gotten so much better by doing barre!
emma @ be mom strong recently posted…Try It Tuesday
I really enjoyed barre and found it made me stronger. Wish I had the time and money to do it all the time.
I am all about core training! My post is coming out tomorrow I will link up then
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…How Do You Stay Strong?
Great! I need to get motivated to do it.
I’m not a runner, but these exercises are awesome for whatever type of training you do. I weight train but make sure to set aside about a half hour each week to do core training.
Liz recently posted…Best Snacks to Beat the Junk-Food Cravings
You are way better than me. If I manage 10 minutes a week, I’m doing good LOL.
I only do Runner’s World yoga center exercises for core work. Well, and my added stuff during the week. But I’m gonna have to check out those links you shared. I didn’t realize Mizuno and Livestrong had one! Thanks for posting these.
Rachel recently posted…2015 Half Marathon Training: Week 5
They look pretty good, but lets not take any bets on whether I actually try one of the workouts.
I love taking TRX classes for improving core strength as well as balance and flexibilty!
Our new gym doesn’t offer TRX and I miss it terribly.
I’ve never tried TRX, but it sounds really cool!
I’m working with an exercise physiologist at the moment and he is adamant that I need a strong core. So we’re doing lots of work on it.
Char recently posted…The Weekend In Review
I really really need to be better about it. But I kind of hate core exercises.
and walkers?
my core is a tub of goo.
CARLA recently posted…You shouldnt bowl fruit.