strength training benefits for runners

We hear that strength training can improve our running, but often as athlete, we tend to want to stick to one form of movement, because we love it.

However, it’s not that strength training just builds our muscles, it helps us become better runners overall. We believe that becoming a well rounded athlete means building strength alongside your cardio training. Here’s why adding strength training to your routine could make a huge difference; both in your runs and in how you feel after them.

1. Prevent Injury with Stronger Muscles and Joints

As a runner, you put your body through a lot of repetitive motion. Your legs, hips, and core take on the brunt of each stride, and over time, this can lead to fatigue or injury. But when you incorporate strength training, you’re building muscle and strengthening tendons and ligaments, which helps to support your joints and absorb more of the impact.

Focus on strengthening areas like your glutes, calves, and hamstrings, all key muscle groups that often get underworked in runners. A stronger body means less stress on your joints, reducing the risk of injuries like shin splints, IT band syndrome, and runner’s knee.

2. Improve Running Efficiency

When you’re running, every step matters. If you’re constantly fighting fatigue or struggling to maintain your posture, your running economy can suffer. This is where strength training comes in: it helps your muscles work more efficiently.

By strengthening your core, hips, and legs, you’ll be able to generate more power with less effort, which means you’ll tire less quickly during long runs. Strength training also improves your posture, helping you stay upright and reduce the tendency to slouch or hunch over as you run.

3. Enhance Speed and Power

If you’re looking to improve your sprinting or finish strong in your next race, strength training is key. When you build muscle, you increase the force your body can generate, which translates to faster speeds and more power with every stride.

Exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts target the muscles that drive your running. With stronger legs and a more explosive push-off, you’ll find yourself running with more speed and power than ever before.

4. Build Endurance for Long Runs

Yes, strength training is great for speed, but it’s also vital for endurance. You might think that running alone is enough to prepare for a marathon or long-distance event, but having strong muscles to carry you through those final miles can make all the difference.

When your muscles are stronger, they can handle prolonged effort without tiring as quickly. Plus, you’ll have better control over your form, which helps to avoid fatigue induced slouching or sloppy mechanics that can slow you down or cause injury.