Strength Training For Runners
As a runner, you should balance your running with 2 to 3 days of strength training. I used to believe that strength training would build up my muscles and hinder my running but in fact there are benefits to acquiring strength in your legs and upper body. Here are a few reasons why strength training is important for runners.
1. Strength Training Makes You Stronger
It will help you run longer, stronger and definitely help you push up those hills faster. You will also be able to recover from longer runs faster because strength training makes your body more efficient.
2. Reduces the Risk of Injury
If you are injury prone like myself, it’s very important to build up muscles around your knees and hips which are big problems areas for runners. Strength training will stabilize those areas and reduce risk of repetitive stress injuries.
3. Burn More Calories.
Yes, building muscle will help you burn more calories during the day and more beneficial to you than the amount of calories lost during a run.
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I couldn’t have put it better myself! I do stronglifts 5×5 (www.stronglifts.com) 3 times a week and run on the other days. Yes i have gained a lot of muscle, but since i’ve added running to my schedule, I have been toning quite nicely. Plan on running through fall and winter as well. Very excited!