Strength Training Exercises For Runners

Happy Friday Friends! I wanted to pop in for a quick post regarding every runner’s favorite topic: strength training! I spoke about this a few times for the past couple of week and I wanted to round out this topic by sharing a few of my favorite strength training exercises. Whether you devote a certain day of the week to strength training or do these before or after your run, you’ll benefit! Mixing these into your running schedule will make your a stronger (and maybe even a faster) runner!

Leg Curls (Hamstring Curls)

We often don’t work out the back of our legs enough. This exercise really focuses on the hamstring and glutes. To make it even harder, you can do these with a stability ball to add some balance work in as well!

Deadlifts

These are also another exercise that will work on the back of your legs. You can do these with the a bar or dumbbells. I would also mix in single leg deadlifts to make sure you’re strengthening both legs evenly.

Planks

Whether it’s a minute a day or a minute with every variation, planks are great to have in your routine. You need a strong core to be a strong runner and this is a good way to work on it. Plus, a strong core will help your posture as well. That’s a win/win!

Forward and Backward Lunges

This is a great exercise that hits most of the muscles in your legs. It’s also great to do a few lunges before a run just to wake everything up. You can up the intensity by holding weights overhead which adds in some stability and core work.

These are a few of the exercises I like to mix in during the week. It’s not uncommon for me to be knocking out some planks while catching up on TV. Whatever you have to do to stay strong!

What are some of your favorite strength training exercises?