Build Core Strength
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In the May/June issue of Women’s Running, fitness expert Linda Melone explains why building core strength is vital for female runners: It reduces the chance of injury, improves running form and can make you faster. The good news: you don’t need to spend hours doing crunches to benefit. A few simple, targeted exercises two to three times a week will do.
To mix core training into your schedule, try this free podcast by Sage Rountree, a running and triathlon coach and yoga teacher. Her 10-minute Core Flow program strengthens your abs, arms and back with forearm planks, side planks and a yoga-meets-Pilates plow pose combo. But be prepared: Despite the short length of the workout, it’s designed to be challenging—you’ll likely be sore the next day.