It's no secret that having a stronger core can improve your running form. Working on your mid-body muscles can help your posture, boost your running efficiency and even protect you from injuries. But if you want to strengthen these muscles, you need to do some core-strengthening exercises alongside your usual runs.
Fitness coach Kim Miller has put together a quick core workout specifically designed to help runners. In her video below, she's taken the time to demonstrate each move slowly, so you can easily copy her technique.
How to do Kim's workout
To do the workout, perform the four moves for the suggested number of repetitions (reps) as listed in the video. Move slowly through each exercise at first, to make sure you're performing each one correctly, and keep your core engaged throughout.
All you need to do the workout is a set of dumbbells, but you can use a full water bottle or a heavy book for the weighted exercises. You can also adjust the routine to suit your fitness levels; increase the reps and pick a heavier weight if you want a challenge, or ditch the weights and decrease the reps if you need an easier option.
Benefits of a strong core for runners
Research in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning found that runners who performed a strength and conditioning program two to three times a week for 8-12 weeks improved their body's efficiency at converting oxygen into forward motion, or their "running economy". Another study published in PLOS ONE found that just eight weeks of core training could increase core endurance and running economy—so it's well worth trying to build muscle in this area if you want to improve your run times.
Core stability is also important for good running posture and it can take pressure off other areas of the body. So while it might seem like a lot of hassle to perfect your running form, it could reduce your risk of injury in the long term.
Want to see which weights our testers rate? Check out our guide to the best adjustable dumbbells
