"Core strength is important for everyone, but even more so for runners. It's really difficult to run efficiently and pain free if your hips are moving all over the place. When your center, aka your core, is stable and held in place, your legs can move more efficiently," GetFitt.ed cofounder Wendy Noakes, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, CF-L1, told POPSUGAR. One move she recommends to improve your core strength is the lateral band walk. Doing this exercise three times a week can help improve your core strength.
- Place a resistance band just below your knees.
- Begin standing with feet directly underneath your hips, and squat about halfway down.
- Take a step sideways to the right as far as you can. To fully activate the muscle, be sure to step onto your heel, rather than your toes.
- Actively resist the pull of the exercise band as you bring your left leg slowly toward your right, returning to the starting position.
- Complete three sets of 10 to 15 steps leading with the right foot and 10 to 15 steps leading with the left foot.
