If you’re getting bored with the basic upper body strength training routine for runners, you can kick things up a notch by adding a medicine ball. Like dumbbells, kettlebells and barbells, medicine balls bring added resistance to your workout. Unlike the others, however, the medicine ball causes little damage when it’s thrown, offering you the opportunity to develop power. Remember, your arms are part of your overall running motion, so a good base of upper … Read entire article »

If you’ve mastered the basic leg strengthening routine for runners, it’s time to ramp up the intensity just a bit by adding a medicine ball to the mix. Medicine balls range in weight from about 4 lbs to about 50 lbs, so as these exercises become easier, you can just shift to a heavier medicine ball. Medicine Ball Squat and Throw This exercise works a lot of your body, but there’s a big emphasis on your quadriceps … Read entire article »

If you’ve been strengthening your core with our basic core strengthening routine for the past few months, then you’re probably ready to kick things up a notch. A simple way to do that is to add a medicine ball. Medicine balls are versatile, store easily and retail for about $15-$30 depending on the weight and quality. Just about any exercise you do with your body weight can also be done with a medicine ball. In … Read entire article »

While some runners ignore strength training completely, there’s a bigger tendency to ignore strengthening the upper body even among those who regularly perform exercises to strengthen their legs and core. Aside from the fact that it’s just a good idea to maintain a strong, balanced body overall, upper body strength training actually does specifically help runners. Your arms are part of your overall running motion, so a good base of upper body strength helps keep your … Read entire article »

When it comes to strength training, most runners either ignore it completely or tend to focus on their legs. Your legs are obviously important to running and strong legs will help your speed and endurance, but perhaps even more important is your core strength. Your abdominal, gluteal (butt) and lower back muscles provide the stability required to continue running with efficient posture mile after mile. Furthermore, a strong core is the power plant that generates … Read entire article »