Strength Training for Runners

The world seems to have curious about the benefits of staying fit and this is quite evident when you look at the increased number of people who have taken to running. There has been a sudden outburst of running and marathon events that happen every weekend across the country and we have seen a lot of fitness enthusiasts who have taken to running in a big way.

Benefits of strength training

• Helps to build strong muscles and hence less prone to injuries
• Builds muscle coordination and balance
• Builds bone strength
• Bodyweight strength training helps in building endurance and form.
• Builds neuromuscular coordination and power
• Increases running efficiency
• Prevents muscle loss and osteoporosis
• Posterior and kinetic chain development

As running itself adds a lot of cardio to the fitness regimen, we do not need a lot of added cardio during the strength training sessions. I would suggest keeping the rest period between the sets less to increase the fat burn and to keep a tempo pace. 

• Push-Ups 
• Bent-Over Row
• Lat pulldown
• Lunges
• Squats and sumo squats
• Planks
• Shoulder overhead push press

Running, as a sport, should be focused on and respected for overall fitness and running injury-free. Strength training, yoga, diet for runners, and Pilates play an integral part in running.