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Strength Training for Runners: Top 3 Exercises to Improve Performance & Prevent Injuries

If you’re a runner and you’re not doing strength training… you’re leaving performance (and injury prevention) on the table. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or aiming to beat your personal best, adding strength work to your routine is one of the smartest moves you can make. And no — you don’t need a gym membership, fancy machines, or hours of time. Just a few targeted exercises done consistently can make a massive difference in how strong, stable, and efficient you feel when you run. In this 10-minute video, I’ll take you through three of the most effective strength exercises for runners — specifically designed to target the glutes, hamstrings, and core. These muscles play a key role in running performance, posture, and injury prevention, but they’re often undertrained or overlooked in running programs. Here’s what you’ll get in this session: 🏃‍♀️ Why runners need strength training We kick off by breaking down the reasons why every runner — from beginner to advanced — should include strength work in their weekly routine. From improving posture and stride power to preventing common injuries like runner’s knee, ITB syndrome, and hamstring strains, strength training supports long-term running success. 🍑 Glute-focused movement Weak glutes can throw off your form, reduce your running efficiency, and put extra strain on other parts of the body. In this video, I’ll guide you through an exercise that activates and strengthens your glutes with proper alignment and control, helping you generate more power with each step. 🦵 Hamstring activation and strength The hamstrings are often tight, weak, or simply underused in runners. You’ll learn a simple but highly effective exercise to build hamstring strength using minimal or no equipment. Strong hamstrings support better hip extension and help stabilize your stride — especially during speed work or uphill runs. 🧱 Core stability and control Your core is more than just your abs — it’s the entire system that helps stabilize your spine and pelvis during running. A strong core minimizes energy leaks, supports good posture, and allows for smoother movement. I’ll show you a dynamic core exercise that builds real-world strength and coordination, without needing crunches or sit-ups. 💡 Coaching cues & form tips For each movement, I’ll share technique pointers, common mistakes to avoid, and options to scale up or down depending on your level. Whether you’re just starting or want to add more structure to your training, you’ll find practical tips to make these exercises work for you. By the end of this session, you’ll feel more connected to your body and understand how to integrate strength training into your running week — without needing hours in the gym. Just three smart moves that deliver results, every time. Let’s build strength that carries you further. Ready?

Strength Training for Runners: Top 3 Exercises to Improve Performance & Prevent Injuries

Video Duration: 09:31

If you’re a runner and you’re not doing strength training… you’re leaving performance (and injury prevention) on the table. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or aiming to beat your personal best, adding strength work to your routine is one of the smartest moves you can make. And no — you don’t need a gym membership, fancy machines, or hours of time. Just a few targeted exercises done consistently can make a massive difference in how strong, stable, and efficient you feel when you run. In this 10-minute video, I’ll take you through three of the most effective strength exercises for runners — specifically designed to target the glutes, hamstrings, and core. These muscles play a key role in running performance, posture, and injury prevention, but they’re often undertrained or overlooked in running programs. Here’s what you’ll get in this session: 🏃‍♀️ Why runners need strength training We kick off by breaking down the reasons why every runner — from beginner to advanced — should include strength work in their weekly routine. From improving posture and stride power to preventing common injuries like runner’s knee, ITB syndrome, and hamstring strains, strength training supports long-term running success. 🍑 Glute-focused movement Weak glutes can throw off your form, reduce your running efficiency, and put extra strain on other parts of the body. In this video, I’ll guide you through an exercise that activates and strengthens your glutes with proper alignment and control, helping you generate more power with each step. 🦵 Hamstring activation and strength The hamstrings are often tight, weak, or simply underused in runners. You’ll learn a simple but highly effective exercise to build hamstring strength using minimal or no equipment. Strong hamstrings support better hip extension and help stabilize your stride — especially during speed work or uphill runs. 🧱 Core stability and control Your core is more than just your abs — it’s the entire system that helps stabilize your spine and pelvis during running. A strong core minimizes energy leaks, supports good posture, and allows for smoother movement. I’ll show you a dynamic core exercise that builds real-world strength and coordination, without needing crunches or sit-ups. 💡 Coaching cues & form tips For each movement, I’ll share technique pointers, common mistakes to avoid, and options to scale up or down depending on your level. Whether you’re just starting or want to add more structure to your training, you’ll find practical tips to make these exercises work for you. By the end of this session, you’ll feel more connected to your body and understand how to integrate strength training into your running week — without needing hours in the gym. Just three smart moves that deliver results, every time. Let’s build strength that carries you further. Ready?

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