Core Strength for Runners: Why It’s More Important Than You Think

Potentially one of the worst types of training is core workouts. All runners hate them but all runners do them. The reason behind this is that your core is super important for running. Your core is what keeps your body stabilized and moving properly. Without training your core, your body will feel more tired and your form will decline much faster over the time you are running. If your form starts to get worse then you will begin to run less efficiently and slower. This is why it’s imperative that all runners work to improve their core strength. Now, you don’t need to have a core that looks like the bodybuilders but you need to at least take time to build up your core so that it can benefit you in your workouts and overall running. There are a lot of great exercises out there and because you do not need to do anything crazy you can really tailor your workout to what exercises you enjoy. Another benefit of core training is that it helps with injury prevention. If you are training your core you are also improving your balance and that will keep your body more stabilized in situations that could lead to injury. On top of that, if your core is not as strong, you might begin to compensate with other muscle groups that should not be worked in the way they are being worked. This could also lead to further injury and a longer recovery process because you would need to train 2 different muscle groups instead of just your core. Probably the most important reason though, is that your core supports the rest of your body. If you don’t build your core muscles then your posture will be bad which can cause neck and back pain later on in life. By building your core, you can save your back from future pain and have good posture. As you can see, building your core muscles is imperative to having a healthy and fit body.