CORE STABILITY BALL TRAINING

Welcome to the latest edition of workout wednesday when each week I share a new running or runner-specific strength training workout. 

This week we are talking about core stability and strength. As runners, core strength is important to keep proper form, to provide a stable base between the lower and upper body and to power our stride. You don't need to spend hours in the gym or devote your life to strength training to reap the benefits of runner-specific core work. Spend 5-10 minutes on core exercises before you hit the road for your next run. You'll help activate running muscles and core training can be part of your warm up before you hit the road.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I make a small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to you. No one is getting rich here, it just helps with the cost associated with running (pun intended) this blog. Thanks, as always, for your support. 

EQUIPMENT

STABILITY BALL

You can work to strengthen your stabilization muscles and joints by providing an unstable, but controllable base like a stability ball. Some of the benefits of balance and stabilization training for runners are improved joint stability, increased flexibility, improved posture control, improved balance and coordination. 

Core Stability Ball Training. Save to Pinterest for later. Download a printable PDF of this workout.

CORE STABILITY BALL TRAINING WORKOUT

BALL CRUNCH

Position the stability ball under the small of your back. Place your hands behind your head, do not pull on your neck, and lift your shoulders and chest up into a crunch. Engage your abs and hold for 3 seconds in top position. Slowly lower back to the starting position. For an added challenge hold a medicine ball for additional resistance. Perform 12 repetitions before moving onto the next exercise. 

BALL SQUATS

Place the ball against a wall and position the ball in the middle of your back. With your feet about hip width apart and your toes pointing straight ahead, walk your feet forward. Lower yourself into a squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor, like you are sitting in an invisible chair. Be careful not to lean back into the ball, but use it as a guide to lower yourself. Once in the low position, press through the heels and push back up to standing. For an added challenge hold a medicine ball at your chest. Perform 12 reps before moving onto the next exercise.

BRIDGE WITH HAMSTRING CURLS

Lie on your back with the stability ball positioned under your calves. Lift your hips off the ground into the starting bridge position, engage your abs and glutes. Bend your knees and lift your hips to curl the ball towards your body. Straighten your legs back out and perform 12 repetitions without lowering your hips to the ground.

STRAIGHT ARM PLANK WITH TUCK

Position the stability ball under your thighs and walk your hands out until you come into a high plank position with your shoulders directly over your wrists and the ball under your shins. Pull your knees in towards your chest to roll the ball forward, then straighten your legs to return the ball to the starting position. Do not to lower the hips between reps. Perform 12 repetitions, take a one minute break then repeat the circuit one or two more times. 

Do you work in core and stabilization exercises into your running routine? Give this one a try and let me know what you think on Instagram, Twitter or in the comments!

download a printable PDF core stability workout

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COACH LEA

Core Partner Workout to Try with Your Valentine or BRF

Welcome to the latest edition of workout Wednesday when each week I share a new running or runner-specific strength training workout. It's February and love is in the air so it seemed the right time for my second annual Valentine's Day partner workout.

I love working out with with my partner. My husband is my favorite running buddy and it helps with motivation to have another person working towards similar goals. Hubby motives me to get up early and run, mainly because I know he is counting on me to be there for him. (Also because he pulls off the covers at 5am and turns on all the lights. How's that for motivation?) Sometimes we feel more accountable to another person than we do ourselves. Whether you have a swole-mate, a valentine, a BRF (best running friend) or a gym buddy, grab anyone you can sucker into it and let's have some partner-workout fun!

I recruited my favorite love birds to demonstrate my core-focused partner workout in the ShredShed. Sorry the gig doesn't pay well, but they were good sports. Wish them a happy wedding anniversary, they just celebrated one year!

Happy Anniversary. Now stop it. We have work to do!

This core-focused partner workout is done in a circuit fashion. Move from one exercise to the next with little or no rest between exercises. Once you complete the circuit, rest for one minute then repeat one or two more times. 

Core-focused partner workout. Try it with your favorite sweaty buddy or save to Pinterest for later.

Find a workout buddy and try it for yourself. Do you have a favorite fitness friend? At the time of this post, I have openings in the Fort Worth Shredshed for personal training for runners. I help runners get stronger, faster and reduce change of injury with strength training. Team up with a friend for a reduced rate for two in one session.

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COACH LEA

THE DOS AND DON'TS OF STRENGTH TRAINING FOR RUNNERS

You're a runner and you heard that strength training is important for runners. You know you should be including strength training, but you've not quite figured out how to make it all work in your training schedule. It's easier to just lace up your shoes and go out for a run than it is to figure out how to add in strength training. You don't exactly have spare time laying around like your husband's socks. If you're going to do this it has to be quick and effective. 

Strength training for runners is important, not only for injury prevention, but for your running performance. Strength training will help you become a strong and faster runner. It can be the difference between a potential injury and new PR.

But strength training for runners is not the same as strength training for muscle growth or strength training for other sports. Runners need running-specific strength. What does that mean? Let's explore the Dos and Don'ts of strength training for runners. 

the Dos and Don'ts of strength training for runners

THE DOs of STRENGTH TRAINING FOR RUNNERS

Do include exercises in all planes of motion 

When we run, we are moving in one plane of motion (the sagittal plane, forward and backward). When we pound out the miles week after week we can develop muscle imbalances because we don't develop strength in the other planes of motion, which can lead to injuries. The best way to injury-proof your running is to include strength exercises that include lateral and rotational exercises to cover the frontal and transverse planes respectively. Try incorporating side lunges, curtsy squats, one leg lift and chop and plank to side plank.

Do full body exercises at least twice a week

For best results, do full body exercises at least twice a week. This can be two 30 minute sessions or four 15 minute sessions. Any less than twice a week, you won't get the full benefit of the strength work (although I will argue that something is always better than nothing). 

Do single leg and balance exercises

Runners benefit greatly from unilateral (single leg) exercises like single leg deadlifts, lunges and single leg lift & chop. When we run we are repeatedly balancing on one leg at a time over the miles. When we build single leg strength and develop strong balance our running performance will improve.

Do multi joint exercises

We want to get the most bang for our strength training buck so we can get it done and get back on the road, right? Multi-joint exercises are more effective and efficient because they work multiple muscles in one exercise. Squats, deadlifts and lunges are all great examples. Skip the bicep curls and the leg extension machine and choose multi joint exercises instead.

Do be consistent

Strength training only works if you do. If you do your exercises one week, but then skip two weeks, you won't see the full benefit of your work. It's more important to be consistent than anything. Even if you can just do 10-15 minutes at a time, work to maintain consistency in your strength training. 

THE DON'TS OF STRENGTH TRAINING FOR RUNNERS

Don't neglect your upper body

It may seem like that as runners we only need to build a strong lower body, but strong arms, back and shoulders power our stride and provide stability for our running form. Push ups, rows and shoulders presses should be included in your strength training for runners plan.

Don't spend hours in the gym

Don't waste any time in the gym. Runners do best to work in a circuit fashion, which means to move from one exercise to the next with little to no rest between exercises. Complete a set of exercises moving between lower body and upper body movements. For example, perform a set of single leg deadlifts, followed by a set of push ups, followed by a set of rows and finish up with lateral lunges. Once you complete all the exercises, take a brief break and repeat the circuit one or two more times. Bodybuilders need long rest periods between sets, runners do not. More quickly, but slow enough to keep proper form. 

Don't do hard running workouts and strength workouts in the same day

If you run hills, intervals or a long run and then attempt a strength workout, your strength workout will suffer and you could end up injured, overtrained or burned out over time. It's better to schedule strength training on days that you are not running, or on easy effort running days. I will do a strength training session in the morning of a day that I have an easy three mile run on the schedule. Never do strength training and running on the same day if the total workout is more than an hour and a half. At that point, the risk for injury starts to become greater than the benefit of the workouts.

Don't ignore pain

No pain no gain is bull crap. Push through discomfort, push through breathing heavily, push through muscle burning, never ever ever push through physical pain during running or strength training. Pain is your body signaling you that something is wrong. Always listen to pain. Learn to tell the difference between feeling pain and feeling discomfort.

Don't neglect rest days

I know it can be challenging to fit everything in: the miles, the strength training and the rest. Always take at least one full rest day a week (sometimes you may need two or even three). If you have to cut something out of the schedule to make it work, never cut out the rest day. We adapt to exercise (get stronger and faster) during the rest periods after the workout, not during the workout itself. If you don't allow your body the proper time to recover you won't see the full benefits of your hard work. I know that sometimes for runners, the rest is the hardest part, but it may just be the most important day of your training schedule. 

Got it? Good. Need more help or individual attention? If you live in Fort Worth, at the time of this post, I have openings for strength training sessions to improve running performance and fat loss. Live outside of Fort Worth? Contact me to learn about how we can work together online. 

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Questions? I'd love to help. 

COACH LEA

Unilateral Single Dumbbell Exercises for Runners

Welcome to the latest edition of Workout Wednesday when each week I share a new running or strength training for runners workout. 

This week we are focusing on unilateral strength, that means working on one side at a time. When we run we repeatedly balance on one foot at a time for the duration of our workout. Building unilateral strength improves our running performance and helps to avoid muscle imbalances that can lead to injury.

These exercises just require one dumbell. I recommend an 8 to 12 pound dumbbell to start. 

Move through each exercise in a circuit style. Complete the reps assigned and move on the next exercise with little to no rest. Move quickly, but go slow enough to maintain proper form. This is not a race against the clock. Once you complete all eight exercises on both sides, rest for a minute and repeat the circuit one or two more times. 

PLANK ROWS

A plank row is an effective exercise for runners. A plank requires core stability and the row movement with a dumbbell builds strong back muscles. A runner needs a strong back to power the stride and maintain running form over long distances. This is a tough move that will build runner-specific strength and stability in the core/back. 

Start in a straight-arm high plank position with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your legs slightly wider than hip width for stability. Keep your body in a straight line from your shoulders to ankles while engaging your core. Do not allow your hips to hike up or sag down.

Hold a weight in one hand on the floor. With your core tight and your glutes engaged keep your elbow pointing up towards the ceiling and close to your side as you pull the weight up from the floor. Do not allow your body to rock as you row. Hold everything steady. Perform the reps on one side, then repeat on the opposite side.

ELBOW PLANK TO SIDE PLANK

The elbow plank to side plank exercise is a rotational core stabilization move. It's important for runners to have a strong core in all planes of motion to maintain proper running form and avoid imbalances. 

Begin in a low forearm plank position. Position your elbows on the floor with your hands flat on the floor and your shoulders directly over your elbows. Do not clasp your hands in front of you. Your body should be in a straight line parallel to the floor. Engage your core, pulling in your belly while breathing normally. Be careful not to sink your hips or raise your butt in the air. 

Twist to the right to move into a elbow side plank position keeping your right leg in front of your left for stability. Reach your arm to the ceiling and hold for 3-5 seconds before returning to plank position. Repeat on the right side for the assigned reps, then switch to the other side. 

WEIGHTED SIDE LUNGE

Runners move in one plane of motion, forward, so it is important to build lateral strength in the frontal plane to avoid muscle imbalances that can lead to injury. This side lunge exercise strengthens the important but often overlooked gluteus medius muscle using a dumbbell on the opposing lunged side.

Face forward with toes pointing straight ahead, hold a weight in your left hand and take a wide step out to your right side. Push your hips back, bend your right knee while straightening your left leg. With your back straight and chest up, hinge at your hips to bring the weight in your left hand to touch the floor next to your right foot. Do not round your back or allow your knee to move forward beyond your toe. Be sure to keep your torso facing forward. Perform the assigned reps, then repeat on the other side.

SINGLE LEG LIFT AND CHOP

This is an effective balance and rotational exercise for runners. Building both balance and rotational strength is essential for runners. 

Stand on your right leg with your knee soft (not locked) and grip the weight on each end with two hands. Reach your arms straight up over your right shoulder and slightly twist your torso to the right. Bring the weight across your body and down towards the outside of your left knee by rotating your torso and shoulders. Perform the reps then stand on the other leg and repeat on opposite side. 

SINGLE LEG DEADLIFT

Building unilateral hip strength is highly beneficial for runners. The single leg deadlift builds single leg/hip strength and balance. 

Standing on one leg, keep your knee slightly bent and perform a deadlift by hinging at your hip while keeping your back straight and neck neutral. Extend your free leg behind you in line with your body. Grip the weight on each side with two hands and lower until your back is parallel to the floor. With your back straight return to the upright position. Perform the reps on one side then repeat on other side.

STATIC LUNGE TO SINGLE ARM SHOULDER PRESS

Performing a single arm shoulder press in a kneeling lunge position requires core strength and stability. Get the most out of your workout by challenging your core while you perform the exercise.

With your feet hip width apart and your toes pointed straight ahead, engage your core and keep your back straight. Take one large step with your right leg to lunge forward until your front knee is lined up over your ankle and your back knee is on floor (in a "will you marry me" position). Do not allow your front knee to move forward over your toes. Resist the urge to lean forward or rest your arms on your thighs. 

Once you are in the lunge position, hold the weight on the same side as your back kneeling leg. Press the weight from the shoulder to the ceiling by straightening your arm. Squeeze and hold your glute muscles (while breathing normally) as you raise your arm to press the weight up to the ceiling. Perform all of the reps on one side, return to standing, then lunge with the other leg and repeat the reps on the other side.

Give it a try and let me know it goes. Do you ever do runner-specific strength training? Questions? I'd love to help. 

COACH LEA

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LEGS & CORE TABATA FOR RUNNERS

Welcome to the latest edition of Workout Wednesday when each week I share a running or strength training for runners workout for you to try at home. Strength training makes us runners stronger, faster and less prone to injury, so it's a good idea for all runners in incorporate at least a little bit of strength training into their workout week. Runners should to focus on balance, single leg work, hip and core strength, while incorporating lateral and rotational moves. 

You don't have to spend hours in the gym at a time, just incorporate some runner-specific strength moves on your off running day or after an easy run for best results. 

This workout is based on a version of the Tabata protocol, which is 20 seconds of work, followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for four minutes. There are four rounds in this workout, so the whole workout will take you less than 20 minutes to complete including the rest periods. 

For each round you will perform:

Exercise 1 for 20 seconds
Rest for 10 seconds
Exercise 2 for 20 seconds
Rest for 10 seconds
Repeat until four minutes have elapsed. 

This post contains affiliate links, that means if you click on a link in this post and make a purchase, I make a small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to you. No one is getting rich here, it just helps with the running (pun intended) of this blog. Thanks, as always, for your support. 

Legs plus core Tabata for runners. Download a free printable version of this workout. Save to Pinterest for later

EQUIPMENT

You can download a free Tabata app on your phone to help with the timing or use a timer like the GymBoss. 

I am using a 8lb medicine ball in this workout. You can do this workout with or without weight. 

LEGS + CORE TABATA WORKOUT FOR RUNNERS

ROUND ONE

RUSSIAN TWIST

Sit with your back at a 45 degree angle. Lift your heels off the ground to increase the challenge. Rotate your torso to touch the floor on one side, then alternate and touch the floor on the other side. You can add a weight or medicine ball to increase the challenge. Alternate sides for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds before moving on to the next exercise. 

BRIDGE WITH PRESS

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Hold a medicine ball at your chest and as you raise your hips off the floor so that your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees, press the medicine ball to the ceiling. Pause at the top then slowly lower your hips back to the floor and the medicine ball back to your chest. Repeat for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds before returning to the first exercise. Alternate between the two exercises for four minutes. Rest for 30 seconds to one minute before starting the next round.

ROUND TWO

ALTERNATING SINGLE LEG DEAD LIFT

Standing on one leg, keep your standing knee soft (slightly bent) and perform a deadlift by bending at your hip while keeping your back straight and neck neutral. Extend your free leg behind you in line with your body. Lower until your back is parallel to the floor. With your back straight return to the upright position. Alternate legs for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds before moving on to the next exercise. 

ALTERNATING LEG LUNGE

With your feet hip width apart and your toes pointed straight ahead, hold your core stable with your back straight and take one large step with your right leg to lunge forward until your front knee is lined up over your ankle, your right thigh is parallel to the floor and your back knee is nearly touching the floor. Do not allow your knee to go past your toes. Use your right leg to push back up to standing in the same position as you started. Alternate legs for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds before returning to the first exercise. Alternate between the two exercises for four minutes. Rest for 30 seconds to one minute before starting the next round. 

ROUND THREE

PLANK HOLD

Start in a high straight arm plank position with your wrists directly under your shoulders with your legs wider than hip width for stability. Keep your body in a straight line from your shoulders to ankles while engaging your core. Do not allow your hips to hike up or sag down. For an additional change to your core, perform the straight arm plank with your hands on a medicine ball instead of the floor. Hold the position for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds before moving on to the next exercise.

MOUNTAIN CLIMBER

Start in a high straight arm plank position with your wrists directly under your shoulders with your legs wider than hip width for stability. Keep your body in a straight line from your shoulders to ankles while engaging your core. Do not allow your hips to hike up or sag down. Quickly bring your right leg, then your left leg in to touch your elbows. For an additional change to your core, perform the straight arm plank with your hands on a medicine ball instead of the floor. Repeat for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, before returning to the first exercise. Alternate between the two exercise for four minutes. Rest 30 seconds to one minute before starting the next round.

ROUND FOUR

SIDE LUNGE

With both toes pointing forward, push your hips back and take a large step to your right and bend your right knee into a side lunge position and straighten your left leg. Do not allow your knees to move forward past your toes. Lower your hips as low as your flexibility will allow. Push back to starting position. Alternate sides for 20 seconds before resting for 10 seconds, then moving onto the next exercise.

SQUAT

Holding a medicine ball or a weight at chest level start with your feet hip width apart, push your hips back and lower until your thighs are parallel to the floor, like you are sitting back in a chair until your elbows touch your knees. In the low position, engage your core, squeeze your glutes and push up to standing. Take a deep breath in as your lower to the squat and breath out as you return up to standing.

Give it a try and let me know how it goes! Have questions? I'd love to help. Want to train with me? As of the time of the post I have personal training openings in Fort Worth. 

Like this post? It helps me a lot when you share with your friends and followers. 

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Coach Lea