The marathon training season is fast approaching, this is when most runners start hitting the pavement a bit more, getting the necessary miles in their legs ready for the big event.
But did you know that strength training can prevent injuries, and improve your performance?
Running
Running is essentially a single leg sport, it involves controlling a landing, then delivering another push off, over and over and over. This puts a lot of stress on the muscles in your hips and legs! A recent study looked at how much force particular muscles used during running… Hamstrings, quadriceps, calves and Gluteal muscles!
So it makes sense that strengthening these muscles will have a positive effect on your running.
Overuse Injuries
Roughly 80% of running injuries are due to overuse, which means your legs have been overloaded. This could be from many things like running too hard, too many miles, poor technique or not enough rest. Strengthening helps to prevent these injuries by increasing the amount of load your legs can tolerate, before becoming overloaded and injured.
We understand that runners just want to run; however they also like improving times, running well, and being free of pain! So for a more successful marathon in 2016, get in early and start strengthening now.
Contact
At Kensington Physio & Sport Medicine we can assess your running and design a strengthening program to suit your goals.
If you wish to get in touch for an appointment, please do not hesitate to call us on 02076030040 or drop us an email at info@kenphysio.com