Rather than get tired, injured, start to break down or limp your way through a long run (we feel you), try strengthening your leg muscles with these moves from Runner’s World magazine.
Running is tricky because while you can just run more to get your heart and lungs in shape, you need to tone your calves, shins, quads and even your core to support your body as you move through space and then spring off your next step. For anyone who gets tired running, try to mentally check which part of your body is feeling fatigued, and then work to strengthen those muscles. (For me, my old knee surgery means a left weak side, including my quads, which when stronger, help steady my stride and make me more stable as I run. So quad work is a must!)
If you’re like most people, your big muscles take the load first, then as they tire, transfer the load to the smaller muscles like the stabilizers and supportive parts of the leg (your ankles, shins and feet). You need to be strong in all these areas to run well, run faster or run farther.
Every year I say I am going to strengthen my quads, which will help me get my weak left knee to feel supporter, improve my balance, and help my running. (I generally run like I’m skateboarding, one leg doing all the work and the other barely taking any of the stride impact!)
Yet… I rarely feel inspired to do the moves. Here is a 6-move workout from Runner’s World, that looks so effective and designed for runners that I am promising myself to get ‘er done! Starting today!
Join me, and let’s do these moves two or three times a week and check back in June to see how these moves improved your overall fitness, strength and running pace, distance and enjoyment! Are you with me?
Rather than get tired, injured, start to break down or limp your way through a long run (we feel you), try strengthening your leg muscles with these moves from Runner’s World magazine.
Knee Pain? Try Quad Strengtheners
Anyone with a bad knee or who feels pain in their lower joints could benefit from these 6 simple quad strengtheners. Try them and see how your pace and endurance improves, as well as your overall enjoyment of running! Hello endorphins, goodbye knee pain!
Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Want more great wellbeing advice? Check out The Advice Pages Wellbeing articles to reach your fitness and health and wellness goals.
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