strength training help for a runner

I know all about cardio. I run about 4 times a week but lately I've started to experience some knee problems and I was wondering if anyone knows some good strenghting exercises for runners. I have to start something in the next week. I love running too much and if I got injured because of something I could prevent I would be full of regret. Thanks for your help.

Fri. Jan 6, 8:10am

I wanted to suggest alternating a couple of runs with some swimming and/or biking, which are much lower impact. Good luck!

Friday, January 6, 2006, 8:37 AM

The husband has knee problems also. He has several strength exercises suggested by our doctor that have made a world of difference. He does them 2x a week and runs 4x a week. I hesitate to suggest them though because your knee issues might be a bit different. I would stronly recommend seeing a doctor or physical therapist so you can discuss your symptoms and get some exercise suggestions. I'll see if can find some pics though - they're kind of hard to describe. However, a therapist would also verify that you were doing them correctly and working the right areas.

The cross training suggestion above is good one and not just because they are low impact but because those exercises help work muscle groups that running doesn't and muscle imbalance can cause a host of discomforts. I started swimming because I thought I couldn't run due to horrible shin splints (even after getting fitted for good running shoes) only to discover that the muscles strengthened by all that flutter kicking were the ones giving me problems when I ran - problem solved.

Friday, January 6, 2006, 11:11 AM

Definitely swimming

You also might want to make sure you running in the proper running shoes.

Friday, January 6, 2006, 11:40 AM

The right shoes (and the right size) can make a world of difference. Most people buy running shoes too small, and that can be a huge problem long term.

Monday, January 9, 2006, 4:32 PM

And I don't see how it could be negative if your using any kind of rubberband resistance or your own weight. Where it gets critical is when you lift heavy weights like doing power cleans or squats.

There are many exercises you can probably find online to target and strengthen the small muscles in your knees. Or I would recommend seeing a physical therapist.

I agree with the poster above that shoes make all the difference. There is a store called fleetfeet that has stores all over the US where they do a great job fitting you for a great shoe depending on your level of activity, size, feet, legs, and comfort. They also have nights where a physical therapist will come into the store and do free sessions with you. Check it out. Good luck.

Link

Monday, January 9, 2006, 7:39 PM

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