Core Exercises to Make You a Better Runner

September 18th, 2020

Are you looking to become a better runner, go longer distances, and hit that personal best? You got this! Here’s the thing. To improve your performance as a runner, you need to do more than just run. Becoming a better runner requires training and strengthening parts of your body that can help boost your overall athletic performance. Ready to go? Let’s talk core. 

 

What Is The Core? 

Most people think of “the core” as abs, but it’s everything from your shoulders down to your hips including the shoulder girdle, mid-back, low back, obliques, glutes, and hamstrings. Working these target areas, AKA core stability workouts help to: 

  • Improve running form
  • Protect your lower back
  • Improve stability and range of motion
  • Strengthen abs, which leads to more power and speed
  • Reduce the risk of muscle fatigue and sports injury
  • Reduce muscles imbalances 
  • Boost overall athletic performance 

 

Want to get stronger, faster, better? At Driven Fit, we’ll get you exactly where you want to be with the help of core stability training. Call/text us at (813) 440-3016 to learn more.  

 

How Often Should I Work My Core?

Strengthening the core is key to sports performance, so it is important to do core stability workouts on the regular. Now that doesn’t mean you have to spend hours at our gym doing sit-ups and crunches. In fact, your trainer may have you skip those exercises altogether because they will not give you the functional strength you need to run. 

At Driven Fit, we recommend integrated core exercises (keep reading for a few of our favs) to strengthen and stabilize the three dimensions of your core – the front, back, and side. Workout with us virtually or in our South Tampa studio will help you train correctly to make sure your body is working in tandem in your next race to help get your PR!

 

Our Favorite Core Workouts for Runners

The integrated core exercises listed below target the three dimensions of the core at the same time and are favorites among the personal trainers at Driven Fit. All are easy to perform and can be easily incorporated into your training plan:

 

Superman – This exercise targets the lower back muscles and helps maintain stability in your hips.

Planks – The power of the plank is undeniable, and there are so many variations…regular planks, side planks, on your elbows, straight arm, the list goes on! Planks are a total body move that work your shoulders, back, and abs. 

Russian Twists – These rotational moves target the muscles that keep you steady for long-distance runs. Throw a weight into the mix…and it’s that’s much better! 

Bridge – This exercise works your lower back and the top of the glutes, both of which are common sore spots for runners. 

Windshield Wipers – Works your external oblique ab muscles and lower back – a favorite of top runners for building rotational core strength.

 

We can help you with these core exercises and more, call/text us to workout with one of our top personal trainers!

 

Reach Your Personal Best with Driven Fit

Remember: the point of core strength is not to have six-pack abs. It’s to stabilize and strengthen your body to prevent injury and improve your overall sports performance! 

Ready to set that personal best? Call or text Driven Fit today at (813) 440-3016.   

Categories: Personal TrainingStudio

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