Strength Training for Runners at the Gym

Do you prefer to do strength training for runners workouts at home or at the gym?

There is something about the gym that strikes people one way or another.

Some like how it motivates them and gets them out of the house.

Others can not bear the idea of working out in front of others and view it as a hassle to have to leave the house to get a workout in.

If you are in the second camp then refer to the Beginner and Intermediate strength training for runners plan that can be done at home.

If you are a gym lover you can incorporate these beginner and intermediate exercises into a gym workout. However if you are a machine lover or can't resist the barbells here are some pointers.

Something to remember at the gym: you are a long distance runner and/or marathon runner. 

That means that you want to train in a way that is going to enhance your performance and not detract from it. That being said, your focus should be on muscular endurance work.

A lot of gym-goers get wrapped up in the Olympic lifts which can be extremely beneficial to specific athletes.

However Olympic lifts (like the jerk, clean and snatch) are more power moves. These would work great for you if you were a sprinter and needed that power.

Since you are an endurance runner you want to focus on what will increase your endurance and fatigue resistance and this is done through muscular endurance work.

So in order to do muscular endurance work you should follow these guidelines:

• Complete 12-15 and upwards of 20+ repetitions of each move

• Do 2-3 sets of 12 -15 (upwards of 20+) repetitions

• Between sets you should rest for anywhere from 0-30 seconds.

• You do not want to use very heavy weights. 5-10-20 lbs is sufficient. 

Is this really important?

Actually, yes, as physiologically, different adaptations are made depending on sets, reps and rest and what physiological adaptions do we want to see as a long distance runner? Muscular endurance adaptations!

On a side note:

Something that makes keeping track of all your repetitions and sets and where you are at in your weight lifting workout is the nifty Gymboss which can also be used as an interval timer!

Pros & Cons of Working Out on Machines

Pros:

It is great for beginners since machines help you keep the correct form during a move. They do not allow you to do the wrong movements. So the risk of injury is lower.

Cons:

However it is not as functional for muscles since most machines don't really target sport specific moves. Really you have to find what works for you and what motivates you in your strength training for runners plan! 

A combination of freestyle and machines can be a runner's match made in heaven!

Which Machines Should You be Working in Your Strength Training for Runners Plan?

Upper Body:

Arms: 

• Tricep Dip Machine 

• Barbell Skull Crushers

• Upright (Seated) Rowing Machine (If not upright you are using your latissimus dorsi muscles in your back.)

Chest:

• Bench Press - Flatbead, Standard, Incline or Decline

Back:

• Lat Pulldown Machine

Abs/Core:

• Leg Raise Machine

Lower Body

Calves:

• Calf Raise Machine

Quads:

• Barbell Front Squat

• Barbell Back Squat

• Leg Press Machine

• Leg Extension Machine

Hamstrings:

• Romanian Deadlifts

• Leg Press Machine

Glutes/Hips:

• Hip Flexor/Extendor Machine

• Leg Press Machine

What moves should you do on these machines?

Along with these machines do the exercises in the strength training for runners beginner and intermediate strength training for runners plans which can be done at home or the gym.

These are mainly done with dumbbells and resistance bands. Some can be done with barbells as well and are completely doable at the gym!

Related Pages:

Why you should be Strength Training for Runners

Beginner Strength Training for Runners

Intermediate Strength Training Plan for Runners

Cross Training for Runners

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