Do Runners Need Core Strength?

Seventy percent of runners suffer from a related injury, according to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. These problems are often caused by a weak core and lack of flexibility, which can throw off your alignment.

Total Body Strength and Flexibility

While running focuses on the lower body, maintaining proper form requires total-body strength and flexibility. You need a powerful core and upper body to stay upright while running. Runners tend to slouch when they get tired which can restrict breathing and compromise their lower-body alignment. Add repetitive pounding on the pavement and you have a recipe for potential pain in the knees, I.T. band*,  shins, feet and low back.  (The I.T., illiotibia band of fascia, runs from the hip to the knee down the side of the leg.) 

That is why Pilates practitioners are at a huge advantage.  Pilates builds your core strength, hip flexibility and pelvis stability. Core strength helps you run faster and more efficiently. It keeps the posture upright and you can take longer, faster strides and breathe better, preventing fatigue.

For best results, do Pilates two to three times a week and running three or four times a week, alternating days.

(Reference: Up and Running article in Pilates Style Magazine Sept/Oct 2015 issue)