Whats more valuable to runners–traditional strength training or core training?
David Behm: Traditional strength training will do more to improve performance. If you want your limbs to go faster and last longer, strength training is the way to go. It’s also probably better for decreasing injuries. If your legs get stronger, they’re not going to fatigue as quickly. You’re not going to lose as much coordination. Those are the things that often lead to injuries, especially the ones that come from excess wobbling of the knees and ankles. You always have to remember the specificity of training rule. You don’t run while stretched out on the floor or while sitting on a Swiss ball. You run with your feet and legs supporting your body weight, so that will also be the best way to do specific strength training. AB: So is there anything good to be said for core training for runners? DB: Sure. Sometimes when you do too much heavy strength training along with your running training, it has a negative effect. Since core training puts less strain on the big muscles, you can do it
