CommunityBrowse groupsBlogEtiquetteInvite Your friendsSuccess Stories

Lounge
Community 


strength training help for a runner

I know all about cardio. I run about 4 times a week but lately I've started to experience some knee problems and I was wondering if anyone knows some good strenghting exercises for runners. I have to start something in the next week. I love running too much and if I got injured because of something I could prevent I would be full of regret. Thanks for your help.

Fri. Jan 6, 8:10am

Add comment  
I wanted to suggest alternating a couple of runs with some swimming and/or biking, which are much lower impact. Good luck!

Friday, January 06, 2006, 8:37 AM

Add comment
The husband has knee problems also. He has several strength exercises suggested by our doctor that have made a world of difference. He does them 2x a week and runs 4x a week. I hesitate to suggest them though because your knee issues might be a bit different. I would stronly recommend seeing a doctor or physical therapist so you can discuss your symptoms and get some exercise suggestions. I'll see if can find some pics though - they're kind of hard to describe. However, a therapist would also verify that you were doing them correctly and working the right areas.

The cross training suggestion above is good one and not just because they are low impact but because those exercises help work muscle groups that running doesn't and muscle imbalance can cause a host of discomforts. I started swimming because I thought I couldn't run due to horrible shin splints (even after getting fitted for good running shoes) only to discover that the muscles strengthened by all that flutter kicking were the ones giving me problems when I ran - problem solved.

Friday, January 06, 2006, 11:11 AM

Add comment
Definitely swimming

You also might want to make sure you running in the proper running shoes.

Friday, January 06, 2006, 11:40 AM

Add comment
The right shoes (and the right size) can make a world of difference. Most people buy running shoes too small, and that can be a huge problem long term.

Monday, January 09, 2006, 4:32 PM

Add comment
And I don't see how it could be negative if your using any kind of rubberband resistance or your own weight. Where it gets critical is when you lift heavy weights like doing power cleans or squats.

There are many exercises you can probably find online to target and strengthen the small muscles in your knees. Or I would recommend seeing a physical therapist.

I agree with the poster above that shoes make all the difference. There is a store called fleetfeet that has stores all over the US where they do a great job fitting you for a great shoe depending on your level of activity, size, feet, legs, and comfort. They also have nights where a physical therapist will come into the store and do free sessions with you. Check it out. Good luck.

Link

Monday, January 09, 2006, 7:39 PM

Add comment








Related Content:

How To Lose Weight- The Basics
Weight Watchers Points System
The Fat Smash Diet
The Eat To Live Diet
The Beck Diet Solution
How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight

 

How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer

How To Burn Fat
Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works
Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight?
Tips On Using PEERtrainer
Visit The PEERtrainer Community
Diet and Fitness Resources

Fitness

Weight Watchers Meetings
Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are
Writing Down Your Daily Workouts
Spending Money On A Personal Trainer?
How I Became A Marathon Runner

 

Preventive Health

How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout
Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot?
Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer?
Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy
Reversing Disease Through Nutrition

New Diet and Fitness Articles:

Weight Watchers Points Plus
How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise
New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program
New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive
Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program
 

Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne:

Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough
How To Delay Short Term Gratification
How To Stay Motivated
How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule

Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions

Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight?
Are Protein Drinks Safe?
Nutrition As Medicine?
 

Everyday Weight Loss Tips

How To Eat Healthy At A Party
How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight
The Three Bite Rule
Tips On How To Stop A Binge