Running is a fantastic way to keep fit and a natural movement for us as humans to do. However, it should come with a large warning sign, it is pure impact and many runners are guilty in thinking that running on its own, done enough, is a great way to stay in shape. My question to that would be "what shape"? It will work your heart and lungs fantastically and if balanced well, a great programme will help you achieve outstanding results but all this impact will take its toll. Only a few miles is several tonnes of accumulative pressure hammering down through your ankles, knees and hips and spine.
Without strengthening your joints, musculature and tendons, the skeleton itself will bear the brunt of this repetition and impact. Movements that should be considered ideal for running are movements that are going to gain full range through potential weaker or tighter spots. Typically, the problem areas are tight calves, anterior tilt of the pelvis, hyper-mobile lumbar spine and kyphotic upper spine with forward and internally rolled shoulders. Not too much to worry about then, seriously, no matter how poor you feel your posture is, you'll always be able to make huge improvements and often simple exercises can be the most effective.
Ideal exercises and patterns are squats, lunges, core exercises and movements that encourage complete shoulder extension and mobility in the thoracic spine (upper spine). Two strength sessions a week can be enough to support even a serious club running regime. Why not try a month free with our online fitness system to get you started with some effective and functional strenthening exercises.
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