Running Strength: Bodyweight Workout

One of the best ways to prevent running injuries is strength training and even if you don't join a gym there are plenty of bodyweight exercises you can do. Each week I'll be posting new bodyweight workouts. Just a quick 30 minutes of strength work can be hugely beneficial to your running.

Wall Sits

With your back and head against the wall bring your knees to a 90 degree angle and hold for as long as you can. Wall sits are an isometric strength exercise and a great way to strengthen the quads and gluts. Hopefully your floor isn't as slippery as these tatami mats. My feet kept slipping forward; it added a whole new challenge to my wall sits.

Suspended Side Plank

Make sure your body is in a straight line before lifting onto your hand and the side of your feet. Squeeze your abs and gluts while holding this isometric pose. The side plank will strengthen your shoulders, obliques and gluts.

Straight leg single leg deadlift

Standing on one leg with a slight bend in the knee, hinge forward at the hips and bring your torso as far forward as you can. This is a great exercise for increasing hamstring, glut and ankle strength. 

What are your favorite bodyweight exercises?