Core strength is important for overall health and athletic ability in general, but the importance of having a good routine of core strengthening exercises is even more pronounced for people who run frequently, whether for fun, health or sport. One of the most important benefits of good core strength is increased agility and endurance, and a much lower risk of back pain and associated dangers. Having a strong, well-maintained core helps the runner project more strength into his or her extremities, and can consequently run longer, faster, and better on a more consistent basis than if he or she had neglected performing at least some basic core strengthening exercises on a regular basis.

Incorporating such exercises as the basic plank and its variations — e.g. the side plank, the plank on an exercise ball, plank with an arm lift, or plank with a leg lift — can go a long way in creating and maintaining the core strength required to run well. While not necessarily a core strengthening exercise per se, make sure that you stretch out your lower back every time before you run. This is as important as it is simple, because certain muscle groups can be tight and thus inhibit the effective functioning of other, related muscle groups. A simple routine of lower back stretching can help alleviate this problem and reduce the risk of possible back and spinal injuries as well.

To help integrate a good core workout routine into your exercises as a runner, you may also find Pilates to be helpful (for more information about the Pilates fitness method and its benefits for core strength, see the “Core Pilates” page on this website).