If you’re a runner, then you should know that it’s smart to focus on strength training too. Not every runner understands that there are various benefits to strength training that make it worthwhile. Take a look at the benefits of strength training for runners by reading the information below. This will show you just how useful strength training can be.
Making You a More Efficient Runner
You can become a substantially more efficient runner by focusing on strength training. Sometimes you might notice that your form will get sloppy or fall apart as your endurance gets lower. This problem can be mitigated by strengthening your core. It’ll allow you to maintain your running form for longer periods of time and this can make you run efficiently during long races.
Losing Weight
Losing weight has a good impact on your overall running performance too. Taking the time to add lean muscle mass to your frame will boost your metabolism a lot. You’ll be burning calories more quickly and can reach any weight loss goals that you might have. This will make you lighter on your feet and you’ll have an easier time running.
Reducing the Chance of Becoming Injured
Strength training even has the potential to help you avoid injury. Core exercises and lower body exercises are especially helpful when it comes to reducing injury risk. Many injuries occur due to muscle imbalances or weaknesses. Strengthening yourself keeps you as safe as you can be while running.
Keeping a Faster Pace
You can learn to keep a faster pace once you have strengthened your muscles as well. Your endurance will improve from strength training and this will allow you to run faster than you used to without tiring yourself out. Even if you only take the time to do occasional bouts of strength training, it’ll be possible to enjoy these benefits. Experts say that three twenty-minute strength training sessions per week will give you great results.
Being able to reduce your overall fatigue while running will open new doors for you. You’ll be able to go on longer runs and you won’t have to worry so much about cramping up. You can probably see why strength training is something that you need to be doing as a runner. Get out there and start strength training today.