Building a Stronger Runner Part 2

Running Series Blog Part2:  Week 3:  The hip continued

By Taryn Cohn PT, MSPT, OCS, COMT

 

Last week we worked on strengthening the hip standing on two legs, which is very important.  However, running is rarely performed with both feet on the ground at the same time so strengthening in a single-leg stance is also important.

 

Running Exercise Single Leg Squat
Running Exercise Single Leg Squat

 

Stand on one leg in front of a full-length mirror so you can properly monitor your form.  Perform a small squat keeping the hip, knee and second toe all in alignment.  Use a chair or counter top initially if needed for support.

Perform 10 repetitions for 2 sets each leg.  Decrease support and add resistance as you progress.

 

 

 

Low Skaters

 

Start in a low squat position with fingertips on the ground and head up.  Slide hands on the ground until they are on either side of the right foot.  Once you have your weight completely over the right foot lift the left leg out to the side, pausing only momentarily.  Repeat going to the other direction.  Maintain the squat position until you have completed 5 repetitions each side.

 

 

Running Exercise -low skater 1Running exercise Low skater 2Running exercise -Low skater 3

 

 

What do you think about these exercises?  Any that you have found you like to do to target these muscles?

Building a Stronger Runner Part 2

Running Blog Series part 2:  Week 2:  The Hip continued

This week’s challenge continues to work on hip strength and stability.  Due to the weight-bearing nature of running, these exercises are designed to better replicate these types of demands and are a good adjunct to last week’s exercises.

 

Running Exercise
Lateral Walks for Runners

Place a resistance band around the ankles of both feet.  Slightly tuck the pelvis under engaging the gluteal muscles.  Maintain tension on the band while stepping to the side.  Perform 15 repetitions each direction right and left, then repeat each side again.

 

Wall Squat

Stand with feet hip-distance apart, toes against the wall and hands on the wall overhead.  Slowly perform a squat keeping hands and toes on the wall.

Repeat 10 times.

Wall Squat for Runners

Wall Squat for Runners

 

 

Let us know how it goes.  Would love to hear your feedback!