The benefits of adding strength training to your running routine

Running is one of the most popular sports in the world for people who want to stay fit. It offers many benefits and gives the participants lots of endorphins to get them through the day.

Although running alone is a great form of exercise, there is more you can do to become the best runner you can be. Below are some of the many benefits of adding some strength training to your normal running routine. 

Strengthen Muscles Around Joints

Because running is such a high-impact sport, runners are more likely to develop injuries like shin splints and pulled muscles. Simple strength training exercises can help build and strengthen the muscles around the joints in the knees, ankles, and hips. 

These are the areas where injuries and long-term pain can occur, so it is better to start strengthening the body before problems occur than to experience an injury and have to take time off of running. 

Increased Bone Density

Running is a sport that will keep you strong and increase your bone density, but strength training can do that as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, prolonged strength training will make your bones denser, which is important for runners.

Denser bones mean less chance of diseases like osteoporosis later on in life. That means more years of running long into the future.

Running Longevity

Runners who integrate strength training into their weekly workout schedule may be able to run for longer. Running is known to be quite hard on the body because it is so high-impact. Because of this, many runners are not able to continue running into their 40’s, 50’s, or 60’s because of injuries or long-term wear and tear. 

Doing exercises to strengthen your body early on in your running career will help you to continue running and staying fit for many more years. 

It Offers An Alternative to Running 

Even runners know that it is not good for you to run every single day of the week. Adding strength training to your routine gives certain muscles a break and offers others to get stronger. A good weight training routine interspersed with long and short runs creates a well-rounded workout routine that will keep you fit. Additionally, strength training gives your whole body a break from the intensity that running brings. The key to a good exercise routine is variety.  

Creates a Social Atmosphere

Although runners can form friendships on the running path, it is hard to have real conversations when running. Often running takes all of the breath you have and none can be wasted on conversation. 

Adding strength training to your running routine gives you and your running buddies the opportunity to chat, share running advice, and just get to know each other better.

Strength training is an activity that is growing in popularity and shows no signs of slowing down. The decision to add strength training to your routine as a runner will only help you to grow as an athlete. Once you consider these benefits, run to the gym and get a spot on the bench before they are all taken.

posted Sunday June 18th
by Colorado Runner