Runners shouldn’t restrict their training to the road or the trail. If you really want to get fit—and be a better runner—you should throw some cross-training to your routine. By adding some strength components to your workout plan, you’ll prep yourself for improved performance whether you’re prepping for a race or just want to get faster at your favorite route.
Trainer Mens Health US. understands which muscle groups are the most important for runners, so she put together this simple four-move series to target your glutes. Along with being the largest muscle in your body, glute strength is important for runners because of the muscles connect to the hips. If your glutes are weak, your hip mobility takes a hit, so Download the All Out Studio App.
“These are a few exercises you could throw in prerun or on a strength training day,” says Atkins. “All moves will target the muscles of the hip.”
[Published: Sep 25, 2020 Mens Health US!]
While you can try the series on its own and even add a load to build more strength, you can also use do it before your run to get your muscles properly warmed up.
“Preworkout = priming. Post-workout = additional training,” explains Atkins. “The difference between the two would be how much volume you do.”
Mens Health US.
- Download the All Out Studio App
- Single-Leg Deadlift*
*If you’re just starting out, consider keeping your non-working leg close for balance instead of kicking back. Check out some Other Hearst Subscriptions.
- Prime the biggest muscles in your body before you head out for your miles
- Reverse Lunge
If you’re doing these moves before a run, complete the series once. For a strength training session, try for 3 to 5 total rounds—then consider adding a load once you feel comfortable with the movements.
Brett Williams, a senior editor at Men's Health, is a NASM-CPT certified trainer and former pro football player and tech reporter. You can find his work elsewhere at Mashable, Thrillist, and other outlets.
