A runner asked me yesterday whether she should work on her core muscles. She'd been told by a physio her core strength was weak and therefore needed to start a program of exercises. This is an interesting question I thought. She'd been running for over 14 years and yet somehow her core stability was considered to be an issue following a test by a physio. 

There's a few points to consider here.  Firstly, if she'd been running for so long at quite a competitive level why are her core muscles deemed to weak? Surely after all this time they should be strong because of her intensive training. So, either she doesnt need these muscles to run successfully (and mainly injury-free) or she's not running 'properly' according to those favouring core stability.

If she's not running 'properly' then would a course of exercises that have  nothing in common with running really help? Would she suddenly be able to run 'properly' after doing them? Or is it the case that, actually, core strength isnt really an issue for runners?

My belief is that we should not focus on individual or small groups of muscles and work them in an isolated fashion as it doesnt promote natural coordination. A runner should focus on how they move, that is, their technique, and if you move well all your muscles will be conditione d in a way that is relevant to running. Exercises to develop specific muscles do not teach you how to run, walk, jump up and down or play your sport.

Your thoughts would be welcome :0)
1 Comment
 
 
I love coaching new runners - because I learn so much! I find the questions they ask take me back to when I started and it's always useful to question your own ideas and beliefs. I spent 40 minutes in the park with this young lad working on his technique and pleased to say in this short time we changed his foot position. He was suffering from aching knees after just 6 k and I believe it was down to where and how his foot landed. It was too far in front of his body and landing on his heel. Not good in my book. Anyway he felt much lighter on his feet after the session and hopefully he'll continue to improve in the weeks ahead. 
5 Comments
 
First Post! 04/18/2010
 
I love running, it's such a pure sport you can do just about anywhere without too much equipment. I've been running for about 35 years starting as a school sprinter and then up to marathon distance until I suffered from injury. This site is about running technique and how you can improve performance and reduce risk of injury by making some small adjustments to your technique. I've now been running for 12 years using these techniques and have thankfully stayed free of injury whilst improving my times.

Please feel free to join in :0)
Add Comment