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Video: Expert Core Strengthening

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If you can do these exercises, your core is probably at rockstar status! In this third installment of core strengthening videos, we take strengthening to the next level. With running, it is critical to be strong, but also be able to respond quickly and efficiently. If you can hold a plank for 60 seconds, but your core muscles are .1 seconds too slow when they are called upon, then your core is not functioning properly. The exercises we tackle today are more quick and dynamic, requiring greater agility. This element of quickness is critical for being a strong runner.

Have fun with these and please pass them along to someone who may find these helpful. Let me know how they go for you by commenting or emailing info@runphys.com. Please ensure you are comfortable with basic exercises that we’ve addressed in recent videos (basic and advanced core strength), before attempting these.

Video: Advanced Core Strengthening

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We don’t need any further convincing that core strength is important for running. But what exactly is core strength? Is it synonymous with having a ripped 6-pack? One of the biggest mistakes that we make is to ‘strengthen our core’ by isolating individual muscles. We need to ensure that our muscles can work together to make each movement stable and efficient. We do this by thin-slicing each activity into specific movements that we can work on.

In today’s video, we take core strengthening to the next level. These movements are geared toward the critical moments of running where our core has to work the hardest. Be careful with these ones and make sure you’re up to the challenge! Please share with a friend and give me your feedback on how these go for you. Enjoy!

Video: Basic Core Strengthening

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Core strength is a hot topic in the running community and just about everywhere! Indeed, proper stability of the core is necessary to perform all of the activities we set out to do in a given day. All too often, we attempt to strengthen muscles that are not firing properly. This can lead to imbalances and compensations — not good things!

Today’s video focuses getting your core muscles firing and engaged. When this is happening consistently, then we can move on to higher level strengthening activities. If you have back pain, attempt these carefully and slowly please!

Give these a try and let me know how they go. Please share with a friend who may appreciate better core strength!

Video: Foot strength Reloaded

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Foot strength is a critical component of running. In last week’s post, we tackled three exercises for developing strength and balance. In today’s post we take this topic to the next level. The exercises in today’s video are more dynamic in nature and develop quickness and proprioception. During normal running speeds, the foot is typically on the ground between .1 – .2 seconds during each stride. There is a lot that needs to happen during that fraction of a second, and today’s video will help you develop the strength, balance, and quickness needed to make you a more efficient runner.

Please pass this along to someone who may benefit, and leave comments on the blog or on youtube to let me know how well they work for you. Enjoy!