Coach Jacob Puzey
Dec 24, 20173 min
Updated: Nov 21, 2018
Strength training, like running, should start with the basics. Building muscular strength and endurance can enhance running performance and injury resistance. However, jumping into an intense strength training program without proper preparation is a recipe for injury and frustration.
Before adding heavy weights, start with body weight exercises that emphasize core strength and isolate key running movements. By using our body’s natural levers rather than the levers of machines we develop balance and strength in injury prone areas. And for most of us, our body weight provides more than enough resistance to build a strong foundation.
Here are some exercises that I do regularly because they target key areas and don’t require much additional time or equipment. The entire routine only takes a few minutes and can be done just about anywhere - at home, at the gym, or at your local park.
Touch your chest to ground between each rep.
Photo by Sean Nielsen from the Peak Run Performance Rocky Mountain Running Retreat.
Lock out elbows. Keep back straight while activating the abs, gluts, and lower back. Photo by Sean Nielsen from the Peak Run Performance Rocky Mountain Running Retreat.
Keep your back straight. Activate your abs, gluts, and lower back. Photo by Sean Nielsen from the Peak Run Performance Rocky Mountain Running Retreat.
Drive one knee at a time toward the chest. Photo by Sean Nielsen from the Peak Run Performance Rocky Mountain Running Retreat.
Rest your back on the ground between reps. Photo by Sean Nielsen from the Peak Run Performance Rocky Mountain Running Retreat.
Thrust hips up and hold.
Photo by Sean Nielsen from the Peak Run Performance Rocky Mountain Running Retreat.
Touch elbow to opposite knee.
Photo by Sean Nielsen from the Peak Run Performance Rocky Mountain Running Retreat.
Allow your arms to fully extend. Photo by Amy Puzey
Pull your body all the way up until you can lift your chin above the bar.
Stand tall. Photo by Peter Collins.
Don't let your knees cross your toes. Photo by Peter Collins.
Start with one knee up. Photo by Peter Collins.
Drive the opposite arm & leg up. Photo by Peter Collins.
Stand tall. Swing arms at about 90 degree angle. Drive arms back leading with the elbow.
Drive hands up, but not above chest. Avoid crossing midline. Keep elbows in & thumbs up.
Photos by Peter Collins
Sit down. Keep your back straight. Try to keep your knees behind your toes.
Photo by Peter Collins
Don't let your knees cross your toes. Photo by Peter Collins.
Each of these exercises works essential running muscles and will provide a base for more intense efforts later in the training plan. Variations of many of the exercises such as side planks, plank rotations, and lunge matrices can add additional stimuli, but focus on these basic movements for now and you’ll have plenty of time to add more to your routine as you progress through it.
Remember – It's All About the Base.
Jacob Puzey is a multiple time national champion and world record holder who helps athletes from all over the world of all ages, abilities, and ambitions to achieve their goals on all distances and surfaces through www.peakrunperformance.com.