Strength Training Helps Improve Running Performance

Have you ever tried to run without using your arms? Try running a block with your arms pressed to your side to avoid movement and you will be amazed at how difficult it is to run. Your legs will burn and your stomach muscles will feel very tight and you may even begin to cramp. This simple exercise shows how crucial your arms are to helping you preserve forward momentum during running.

Many people actually do not swing their arms correctly while they run which makes the runner feels very tired and overworked in other parts of their bodies while running. The arms should be held close to the body with the elbow bent to about 90 degrees, the palms facing inwards held in a loose fist, and the arm should swing straight forward and backward. One of the most common mistakes that people make with their arms is they swing them across their bodies instead of forward and backward. This arm movement is not helping to preserve the forward momentum of your body as you run which is ultimately putting more stress on your back, legs, and feet. Incorrect, or lack of, arm swing can actually lead to other problems due to overcompensation in other areas of your body.

One of the main reasons why people lack arm swing or have incorrect arm swing is simply because their arms are not strong enough to keep the forward momentum of their bodies going. If the arms are not strong enough to preserve the forward and backwards swing that makes a runner most efficient then people tend to cross their arms in front of them. A simple way to avoid this problem is to add strength training arm workouts to your weekly routines. Adding two arm workouts a week will quickly help to build muscle and improve your arm swing while running.

Although your legs take the bulk of the load while running, the arms also play an important role in reaching maximum efficiency while running. Adding strength training workouts to improve your arm strength will help improve arm swing and ultimately make you a better runner.