Have you heard about the importance of having a strong core as a runner?
Well, it’s true! If you want to improve your running, it’s crucial to have a strong core! Your core is made up of not only your abs, but also includes your obliques, lower back, and hips. Having a strong core gives you the stability you need to maintain proper running form and ultimate prevent injury…good stuff, right?
So I’ve put together a roundup of core workouts and exercises that will help you get stronger as a runner. These workouts are quick but very effective, and you’ll definitely feel the effects the next day! In 20 minutes or less, you’ll be on your way to a strong core! And guess what, you’ll be doing a lot more than sit-ups and crunches!
I’m linking up with Susie, Debbie, Lora, and Rachel for the Running Coaches Corner and Annmarie, Nicole, Jen, and Michelle for Wild Workout Wednesday! Check out their sites to find new workouts to try and lots of great running and fitness tips!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
[bctt tweet=”Runners – Are you looking for some new core workouts to mix things up? I got you covered! #runchat #sweatpink” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
Great Core Workouts for Runners in Under 20 Minutes
Do you enjoy working on your core? I have a few favorite moves that I like to do like mountain climbers, but I still find some exercises to be very challenging, especially if they require a lot of work from the lower abs (V-ups, anyone?). Sometimes I want to give up when the shaking begins, but it’s so important to work through it. It really does get easier the more frequently you do it!
I’ve rounded up awesome core workouts from some great health and fitness bloggers for you to choose from with a ton of variety! You can try doing these exercises on a cross-training day or even incorporate them after your run. The more you practice these moves, the easier it gets and the stronger you’ll get…so don’t give up! The great thing is that these workouts can be done in 20 minutes or less, so you’ve got plenty of time to knock them out! Check out each link to get detailed instructions on how to do the moves correctly.
Strong Core Workout – Creating a Better Tomorrow
Sarah always has great workout routines…this one would definitely have my hurting the next day!
10 Minutes to a Stronger Core – Running With Perseverance
If you’re looking for some plank variations, Coco has got you covered!!
6 Core Workouts for Runners – This Runner’s Recipes
Laura put together a great roundup of core workouts of varying complexity…definitely worth a look!
20 Minute Plank Workout – Hard Hitting Fitness
Chrissy put together an awesome workout…and yes, it includes mountain climbers!! 🙂
DVRT Ultimate Sandbag Core Workout for Runners – The Fit Foodie Mama
Have you heard of the DVRT Ultimate Sandbag? It’s a great tool that you can use in a variety of ways to take your workouts to the next level, and Annmarie shows you how to use it effectively for your core!
Fast Abs: 5 Minute Core Circuit for Runners – Lea Genders Fitness
If you’re really time-crunched (no pun intended), check out Lea’s workout that is full of plank variations and bridge work!
10 Minute No-Crunch Core Workout – Salads 4 Lunch
Janice’s core workout incorporates a lot of moves that I’ve done in my yoga classes. They may “look” easy, but they will challenge you!
What are your favorite core exercises? Which ones do you struggle with the most?
SO many awesome workouts to strengthen the core! Thank you so much for sharing mine and for linking up <3
Thanks for contributing, you always have such great resources 🙂
Thanks for sharing! These sound like some great core exercises. I’ve been doing the same ones and the routine probably could benefit from some shaking up 🙂
No problem! I’m glad these workouts are a source of inspiration!
Ooooh! It’s like you know what I needed!
Yay! Glad these will come in handy for you 🙂
It is always nice to mix things up with new and interesting workouts! Thank you for sharing these. I am pinning to share and access in the future for some great core workouts 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed this Jennifer! Yes, it’s so important to mix it up to keep boredom at bay! Thanks for pinning!
Great round up! You know that I am 100% behind core workouts for runners!
Thanks, Susie!
Love this roundup! I’m going to have to try some of these tonight.
Thanks, Nicole! 🙂
Love all these great workouts! A strong core is so very important!!
Glad you like it, Lauren! 🙂
Great roundup from some of my favorite bloggers!
Thanks, Deborah!
All of these are great whether you’re a runner or not. I am always looking for variations in core workouts and you offer so many! I am also close to Philly and will be cheering on running friends and everyone. I don’t aspire to run a marathon but I admire those who do!
Thanks, De! Yes, these workouts are great even if you’re not into running. That’s cool that you live near Philly, I can’t wait for all of the spectators out there…so appreciate the support!
So many great moves that take minimal time. I need to start doing these more often.
Same here! There are always a few minutes where you can squeeze in a few moves!
I love this round up! You can never have too many variations! Pinning and sharing 🙂
Thanks a lot, Autumn! I’m always surprised by how many different ways you can work your abs and core.
This is a great post!! I LOVE planks and I could do a total body workout using only plank variations. I heart planks! I should write a musical about my love for planks…
LOL, planks are great! I’ve learned that you gotta use ’em or lose ’em!
I could so see a musical about planks, it would be a hit!
This is an awesome core roundup you put together Janelle! Our core is so important, especially for runners!
Well….my favorite core workout is planking. Hands-down, planking works like magic for me, especially the side planks (on my forearms).
You are the planking queen!! I need to do more side planks, I think I’m slowly getting better at them!
Great round-up! Thanks for including mine. I’ve learned the hard way that if you neglect your core so many things can go wrong!
Thanks for sharing my workout, I can’t wait to try all of the others!
Great round up! Core exercises build the foundation for a strong + ffunctional body. A strong core is so importnant – in life and in running/fitness. 🙂
Thanks, Sarah! Totally agree. When I don’t work my core consistently, I can definitely feel the difference.
Great roundup of some awesome core workouts! Thanks for including my 20 minute plank workout!
Thanks a lot, Chrissy! I’m glad that I could include you 🙂
I totally agree that it’s very important to have a strong core even when it comes to running because this helps runners run with a good posture and therefore, they can run faster and prevent injuries, especially to the spine.
I also have an article about core exercises with exercise balls, hope it can help readers as good as yours: http://aestheticguys.com/exercise-ball-crunches