Why do runners need a strong core?

Runners need a strong core to reduce their risk of injury and niggles as well as improve running technique. The act of running puts lots of load and stress through our bodies, causing injury and niggles to occur, especially as we get older and our bodies start to change and get weaker.

Not sounding great, but although we can’t stop aging, we can slow it down and support our bodies to stay as strong as possible.

So why not give my latest YouTube video ago to give you an idea of how you can fit Pilates for Runners into your day.

This is a 5 minute Pilates core workout for runners, click on the photo to watch.

Our core consists of the deep abdominal muscles, back muscles that support the spine, and glute muscles. These all support the lower back and help to keep our pelvis stable. The core is vital in keeping us upright and helping keep the pelvis in alignment.

Find out why runners need a strong core ⬇️

Have you ever seen yourself run?

Does your body twist side to side, do you get lower backache, do you get tired easily?

Does your upper body twist when you run?

If your core is weak then you will probably be twisting your upper body as you run, this can tire you quickly as you use much more energy than a runner whose core is stronger and who can stabilise their pelvis whilst running.

Does your lower back ache when running?

Runners also need a strong core if they get backache. The core is made up of lots of muscles if you think of it from the bottom of the ribs to just below the glute muscles. This includes the back muscles that run up the spine, if these are weak then this can affect your posture and have an impact on your running and posture.

Do you tire quickly?

If you find you can only run a certain distance before you get tired, then you might be wasting excess energy. If you swing your arms around and your whole body twists when you run you are using energy you could be putting into running those few miles longer.

Core strength = Pelvic stability. The stronger your core is the less likely your body is to rotate/twist as you run. Therefore using less energy!

Makes sense doesn’t it?

Time is an excuse?

We can use time as an excuse, but all of us can find 5 or 10 minutes in our day if we want to. We can even use the Pilates for Runners sessions before or after your run, or on our rest days as Pilates is low impact and won’t affect our recovery days.

Why do runners need a strong core?