If you’re a runner, you know that staying in shape is key to helping you reach your performance goals. However, if you’re only running and not supplementing your routine with other forms of exercise, you may be missing out on essential benefits that could take your running to the next level. A well-rounded exercise routine that includes various forms of training can help you build strength, power, and speed while reducing your risk of injury.

To help you make the most of your running regimen, we’ve put together a list of seven exercises every runner should be doing. These exercises are designed to improve your overall fitness and keep you running strong for years to come.

1) Strength Training

Build Stronger Muscles to Prevent Injury

Strength training is a critical component of any runner’s exercise routine. It helps build strong muscles that support your joints, improve your running form, and reduce the risk of injury. By focusing on specific muscle groups and incorporating lifting heavy weights, strength training can enhance neuromuscular coordination, improve running efficiency, and increase strength and speed, allowing you to run faster and longer with less effort.

Benefits of Strength Training for Runners

• Injury Prevention: Strengthens muscles, tendons, and ligaments, reducing the likelihood of injury.
• Improved Running Economy: Enhances muscle efficiency, allowing you to run faster with less effort.
• Balanced Muscle Development: Addresses muscle imbalances that can lead to poor running form and injuries.
• Increased Power: Builds explosive strength, helping you sprint faster and tackle hills with ease.
• Strengthening Major Muscle Groups: Incorporating exercises that enhance major muscle groups in the arms and core improves running efficiency, balance, and proper running form.

Key Strength Training Exercises for Runners

• Lunges: Strengthen the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves while improving balance.
• Squats: Build lower body strength, particularly in the quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
• Single Leg Squats: Enhance strength and stability in each leg, simulate the load-bearing phase of running, address muscle imbalances, and improve running efficiency.
• Calf Raises: Target the calves, enhancing power and stability in your stride.
• Pushups: Strengthen the upper body, including the chest, shoulders, and triceps.
• Planks: Engage the core, improving overall stability and running posture.

Sample Runner Weight Training Weekly Workout

Incorporate this strength training routine into your weekly schedule to complement your running and enhance your performance. Aim to complete these workouts on non-consecutive days to allow your muscles time to recover.

Monday – Lower Body Focus

• Warm-Up:
• 5-10 minutes of light cardio (jogging, cycling, or brisk walking)
• Workout:
• Squats: 3 sets of 12-15 reps (Ensure your feet are shoulder width apart for proper posture and alignment)
• Lunges: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg (Maintain feet shoulder width to ensure effective weight distribution)
• Calf Raises: 3 sets of 15-20 reps
• Glute Bridges: 3 sets of 15 reps
• Cool Down:
• 5-10 minutes of stretching, focusing on the quads, hamstrings, and calves

Wednesday – Core and Upper Body Focus

• Warm-Up:
• 5-10 minutes of light cardio (jumping jacks, jump rope, or cycling)
• Workout:
• Pushups: 3 sets of 10-15 reps (modify with knees on the ground if needed)
• Planks: 3 sets of 30-60 seconds
• Side Planks: 3 sets of 20-30 seconds per side
• Dumbbell Rows: 3 sets of 12-15 reps per side
• Cool Down:
• 5-10 minutes of stretching, focusing on the shoulders, chest, and core

Friday – Full Body Workout

• Warm-Up:
• 5-10 minutes of dynamic stretches and light cardio
• Workout:
• Deadlifts: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
• Step-Ups: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg
• Russian Twists: 3 sets of 15-20 reps per side
• Dumbbell Shoulder Press: 3 sets of 12-15 reps
• Cool Down:
• 5-10 minutes of stretching, including full-body stretches like the cat-cow pose and seated forward fold

Tips for Success

• Form First: Focus on maintaining proper form for each exercise to prevent injuries and get the most benefit.
• Starting Position: Establish a proper starting position before executing each exercise. This ensures effective and safe performance, especially for movements like the single-leg deadlift and Pallof press.
• Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or resistance you use as your strength improves.
• Consistency: Aim to include strength training in your routine at least 2-3 times a week for optimal results.

2) Different Types of Running

The Foundation of Your Routine

Running is the cornerstone of any runner’s exercise routine. It’s the primary activity that builds your cardiovascular fitness, burns calories, and enhances your running-specific endurance. However, there are different types of running that you can incorporate into your routine to maximize your benefits and target different aspects of your fitness.

Interval Training: Boost Speed and Endurance

• What It Is: Interval training involves alternating between periods of high-intensity running and lower-intensity recovery.
• Benefits:
  Increases speed and stamina.
  Enhances cardiovascular fitness by challenging your heart and lungs.
  Burns more calories in less time compared to steady-state running.
• How to Do It:
  Start with a warm-up jog for 5-10 minutes.
  Run at a high intensity for 1 minute.
  Follow with 2 minutes of slower running or walking to recover.
  Repeat this cycle 6-10 times, depending on your fitness level.
  Cool down with a 5-10 minute jog.

Hill Running: Build Strength and Power

• What It Is: Running uphill, either outdoors on natural terrain or on a treadmill set to an incline.
• Benefits:
• Strengthens leg muscles, especially the glutes, hamstrings, and calves.
• Improves power and explosiveness in your stride.
• Boosts cardiovascular fitness by increasing the intensity of your workout.
• Enhances neuromuscular coordination and stride efficiency, leading to better running economy and injury prevention.
• How to Do It:
• Find a hill with a moderate incline.
• Sprint uphill for 30-60 seconds, focusing on driving your knees up and maintaining good posture.
• Walk or jog back down to recover.
• Repeat for 5-10 repetitions.

Fartlek Running: Improve Speed and Stamina

• What It Is: A form of unstructured interval training where you vary your speed and intensity throughout your run.
• Benefits:
  Enhances speed, stamina, and overall fitness.
  Adds variety to your runs, keeping them fun and engaging.
  Encourages your body to adapt to different paces and terrains.
• How to Do It:
  During your regular run, pick random points (e.g., a tree or lamppost) to sprint to.
  After sprinting, slow down to a comfortable pace to recover.
  Continue alternating between fast and slow paces throughout your run.

Endurance Running: Build Long-Distance Stamina

• What It Is: Long, steady-state runs that focus on building the ability to sustain running over extended distances.
• Benefits:
  Increases aerobic capacity and endurance.
  Builds mental toughness for long races like marathons.
  Helps your body efficiently use energy over prolonged periods.
• How to Do It:
  Plan your long run once a week, gradually increasing the distance by 10% each week.
  Maintain a steady, conversational pace throughout the run.
  Focus on proper hydration and nutrition before, during, and after the run.

Form Tips for All Types of Running

• Posture: Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
• Arm Position: Bend your arms at 90 degrees, swinging them naturally with each stride.
• Foot Strike: Aim to have your feet land directly underneath your hips, avoiding overstriding.
• Breathing: Maintain a steady breathing rhythm, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
• Body Alignment: Ensure your body forms a straight line from head to toe to maintain proper running form.

3) Swimming

The Perfect Low-Impact Cross-Training

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for runners because it provides a full-body workout while being easy on the joints. It’s particularly beneficial for recovery days or when you need a break from the impact of running.

Benefits of Swimming for Runners

• Low-Impact: Swimming reduces stress on your joints and muscles, allowing you to train without the risk of injury.
• Full-Body Workout: Engages multiple muscle groups, including the core, back, shoulders, and legs. Swimming addresses nearly every major muscle group, providing a balanced approach that enhances mobility, balance, and overall physical performance.
• Improved Endurance: Enhances cardiovascular fitness and lung capacity.
• Active Recovery: Helps flush out lactic acid and reduces muscle soreness.

Swimming Strokes and Their Benefits

• Freestyle (Front Crawl): Great for building overall endurance and strength.
• Backstroke: Targets the upper back and shoulders, improving posture.
• Breaststroke: Focuses on the chest, shoulders, and hips, promoting flexibility.
• Butterfly: The most challenging stroke, it builds explosive power and core strength.

How to Incorporate Swimming into Your Routine

• Interval Swimming: Alternate between fast and slow laps to mimic the benefits of interval running.
• Distance Swimming: Set goals for continuous swimming, such as 500 meters or 1 kilometer, to build endurance.
• Swim Drills: Focus on technique drills like kickboard workouts to strengthen specific muscle groups.

4) Cycling

Strengthen Your Legs and Core

Cycling is another excellent cross-training option for runners. It’s a low-impact exercise that allows you to build strength, especially in your legs and core, without the repetitive pounding of running.

Benefits of Cycling for Runners

• Leg Strength: Targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.
• Core Stability: Engages the core muscles, improving balance and posture.
• Cardiovascular Fitness: Enhances endurance and lung capacity. Additionally, cycling can improve running performance by building cardiovascular strength and endurance, which are crucial for efficient running.
• Reduced Injury Risk: Provides an alternative workout that reduces stress on the joints.

Types of Cycling Workouts

• Steady-State Rides: Cycle at a moderate pace for 30-60 minutes to build endurance.
• Interval Training: Alternate between sprints and recovery periods to improve speed and power.
• Hill Climbs: Focus on cycling uphill to strengthen your legs and improve cardiovascular fitness.

Tips for a Successful Cycling Workout

• Bike Fit: Ensure your bike is properly fitted to avoid discomfort or injury.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated, especially during long rides.
• Safety: Always wear a helmet and be aware of traffic if cycling outdoors.

5) Jumping Rope

Boost Coordination, Agility, and Cardio

Jumping rope is a fantastic exercise for runners because it enhances coordination, agility, and cardiovascular endurance. It’s also a convenient workout that requires minimal equipment and can be done almost anywhere. Performing jumping rope exercises on one leg can further improve stability and strength, addressing imbalances and reducing the risk of injuries.

Benefits of Jumping Rope for Runners

• Improved Coordination: Enhances the timing and rhythm needed for efficient running.
• Increased Agility: Helps develop quick footwork and balance.
• Cardiovascular Endurance: Raises heart rate quickly, providing an intense cardio workout.
• Strengthens Lower Body: Targets calves, quads, hamstrings, and glutes.

Types of Jump Ropes

• Speed Ropes: Thin, lightweight ropes that allow for fast, efficient jumping, ideal for high-intensity workouts.
• Weighted Ropes: Heavier ropes that build muscle endurance and strength in the upper body.

Jump Rope Workouts

• Basic Jump: Start with two feet together, jumping in place for 1-2 minutes.
• Alternate Foot Jump: Mimic a running motion by alternating feet with each jump.
• Double-Unders: Spin the rope faster to pass under your feet twice with each jump, increasing intensity.

Incorporating Jumping Rope into Your Routine

• Warm-Up: Use jumping rope as a dynamic warm-up before running.
• Interval Training: Jump rope for 30 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds. Repeat for 10-15 minutes.
• Cross-Training: Replace a running workout with a 20-30 minute jump rope session to improve agility and coordination.

6) Pilates

Strengthen Your Core and Improve Flexibility

Pilates is a low-impact exercise that focuses on building core strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing balance. It’s particularly beneficial for runners, as a strong core helps maintain proper running form and reduces the risk of injury.

Benefits of Pilates for Runners

• Core Strength: Builds the deep abdominal muscles that support your spine and pelvis.
• Improved Flexibility: Increases range of motion in the hips, hamstrings, and lower back.
• Better Posture: Encourages proper alignment, which can improve running efficiency.
• Injury Prevention: Strengthens stabilizing muscles, reducing the risk of common running injuries.

Key Pilates Exercises for Runners

• The Pilates Hundred: A core-strengthening exercise that also improves endurance.
• Single Leg Circles: Targets the hip flexors and improves hip mobility. Ensure the left leg is correctly positioned and engaged to maximize the benefits of this exercise. Proper engagement of the left leg helps in maintaining balance and stability.
• Roll-Ups: Strengthens the core and improves spinal flexibility.
• Side Planks: Enhances lateral core strength and stability.

How to Incorporate Pilates into Your Routine

• Core Workout: Dedicate 20-30 minutes, 2-3 times a week, to Pilates exercises focused on core strength.
• Post-Run Stretch: Use Pilates moves like roll-ups and leg circles as a cool-down to stretch and lengthen muscles after a run.
• Rest Day Recovery: Perform a gentle Pilates routine on rest days to aid in recovery and maintain flexibility.

7) Yoga

Enhance Flexibility, Strength, and Mental Focus

Yoga is an excellent exercise for runners, offering numerous benefits that complement running. It strengthens and stretches muscles, improves balance and coordination, and helps reduce stress—all of which are crucial for preventing injuries and enhancing performance.

Benefits of Yoga for Runners

• Improved Flexibility: Helps lengthen tight muscles, particularly in the hips, hamstrings, and calves.
• Core Strength: Builds a strong core, which supports proper running form and reduces the risk of injury.
• Mental Focus: Promotes mindfulness and breath control, helping you maintain a steady rhythm during runs.
• Stress Relief: Reduces stress and promotes relaxation, which can enhance recovery.

Essential Yoga Poses for Runners

• Downward Facing Dog: Stretches the calves, hamstrings, hips, and shoulders while strengthening the core.
• Warrior I: Strengthens the legs, hips, and shoulders, and improves balance. Emphasize the importance of the left foot for stability and balance in this pose, as it helps maintain proper alignment and engages the necessary muscle groups.
• Pigeon Pose: Opens the hips and glutes, relieving tightness that can affect running form.
• Child’s Pose: Provides a gentle stretch for the back and hips while promoting relaxation.

How to Incorporate Yoga into Your Routine

• Post-Run Stretch: Use yoga poses like Downward Facing Dog and Pigeon Pose after your runs to stretch tight muscles.
• Weekly Yoga Session: Dedicate one day a week to a full yoga practice, focusing on flexibility, strength, and mental relaxation.
• Morning Routine: Start your day with a few simple yoga poses to wake up your body and prepare for your run.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Running with a Comprehensive Exercise Routine

Incorporating a variety of exercises into your running routine is essential for improving your performance, preventing injuries, and ensuring long-term success. By adding swimming, cycling, jumping rope, Pilates, yoga, and strength training to your regimen, you’ll not only enhance your strength, power, and speed but also improve your overall fitness and well-being. Remember, running is just one piece of the puzzle. To reach your full potential as a runner, it’s important to embrace a holistic approach to training that keeps your body strong, flexible, and resilient. So, start integrating these seven exercises into your routine and experience the difference they can make in your running journey.