What are some strength workouts or workouts to do on days you're not running to improve your running or endurance and strength?
Hi @knunez001! On my off days of running, I either do yoga or come up with my own WOD that's focused on building up my core and legs. I find it really important to incorporate yoga to make sure I'm stretching out and getting in some extra core strength. It also helps me focus on my breathing, which I find helpful when I take on longer runs. Lately, I've been enjoying CorePower Yoga's Sculpt classes that are available online right now--they've been releasing new classes each week. As for my WODs, I usually do 4-5 rounds of 4-6 exercises, usually between 20-30 reps per exercise depending what it is. Right now my exercises have been focused a lot on body weight because I have limited equipment at my house. Some of my go-to exercises are mountain climbers, squat jumps, jumping lunges, plank dips, burpees, push-ups, v-ups and chair dips. Hope that helps ignite some ideas for you!
Hi @knunez001!
The answer here varies from runner to runner depending on the runner's long-term goals, and how much running is done during the week. For instance, a runner who runs 5-6 days may choose to focus only on strength training with minimal cardio/explosive moves to rest. But, for runners running 3-4 days a week, strength training could be combined with a non-running cardio activity such as rowing, swimming, or even hiking.
For all runners, core work, and work on the muscles in the running chain (glutes-hamstrings-quads) are beneficial no matter how long or how far you go. Check out this workout from Outside Magazine as an example.
For me, since I don't have access to a gym at the moment, I do simple lunges and squats to strength train on my off days. I enjoy pendulum lunges to promote strength and balance, and squats because I can do them right in my home. I don't have free weights, so sometimes if I want an extra challenge with squats, I'll fill two water bottles and hold them in front of me during the exercise.
I know that there are many runners in our community who have other ideas on great exercises, but hopefully this gets you started!
Thanks so much!
Hi @knunez001! On my off days of running, I either do yoga or come up with my own WOD that's focused on building up my core and legs. I find it really important to incorporate yoga to make sure I'm stretching out and getting in some extra core strength. It also helps me focus on my breathing, which I find helpful when I take on longer runs. Lately, I've been enjoying CorePower Yoga's Sculpt classes that are available online right now--they've been releasing new classes each week. As for my WODs, I usually do 4-5 rounds of 4-6 exercises, usually between 20-30 reps per exercise depending what it is. Right now my exercises have been focused a lot on body weight because I have limited equipment at my house. Some of my go-to exercises are mountain climbers, squat jumps, jumping lunges, plank dips, burpees, push-ups, v-ups and chair dips. Hope that helps ignite some ideas for you!
Wow thank you!! So helpful!! Can’t wait to get started!