How often should an aspiring runner work on core? Is it necessary to do it everyday or is 4-5 times a week sufficient?

If you really want to work on core, do it a few times a week, definitely not every day. Try to keep it semi functional, dont just do a bunch of situps. Don't spend more than 20 minutes on it each session. Some ideas:

- Planks

- ball passes with a partner, straight ahead as well as with obliques

- supermans, donkey kicks

- bear crawls

- v ups

Remember that running already is a bit of a core workout. Faster paces are especially a core workout. So always do your dedicated core after your running. Definitely don't do it right before your running workout. Don't do it the day before any intense speed work.

Core is a nice addition to a training program if you have time to add more. But it shouldn't be very high on the priority list, focus on higher priority items first (speed development, maximizing the mileage your body can currently handle, plyos, etc), then add core in if you still have time.

I’ve never done core, and I’m a pro.

I've found core work to be really helpful. Even though running is a core workout, it's easy for me to shift into sloppy form. I blame my desk job and sitting for so long.

I feel a lot stronger on my runs when I warm up with core before hand. Nothing crazy strenuous . Personally, doing this allows me to stay injury free and increase my mileage. It's a staple of my routine now.

4-5 days a week is good

Like most things it’s individual. If you’re injury prone and/or have bad form then core work can be very helpful. Even just a minute plank after most runs can go a long way...

An aspiring runner would gain more benefit form more running.

Improving your core helps you get past a plateau.

It's still good to work on core even at the beginning, though.

As a professional runner I don’t believe in doing core work. If you run enough you’re engaging your core plenty and that should strengthen it so you’re more stable. Core is a way for low mileage, amateurs to feel like they’re magically getting faster by strengthening not their legs

Something else I have been working on is a muscle mind connection of my core when I'm running. I used to lean back when running. Now, I concentrate on having a slight forward lean and keeping some tension in my core. I think it's easy for a lot of runners to run with an inhibited core.

Would love to hear other people's input on this. Keeping the core engaged while running might come natural to a lot of folks on these boards, but not for me. Doing regular core work makes this a bit easier.

I’m a 4:02 miler and I do it on average once a week. I would never be able to motivate myself to do it 5-7 times a week