So I did a search here on core training and running benefits and it seems contrary to the mainstream a lot of LetsRun Posters aren't a fan of core work in terms of improving running, form, and injury prevention.
Obviously it's not all just abs, but is core rather useless for runners, or were those LR posters just core haters? Like are planks, side planks, bikes, sit-ups, jackknifed, leg raises, etc that work the whole core as useless as some posters pointed out?
So-called "core" training, at least the way it's usually treated, is a nonsensical fad that spilled over into mainstream fitness from yoga and pilates. The only thing "core" exercises accomplish is that they make you good at doing core exercises. They have no value in terms of either running performance or injury prevention. The proper way to train the torso musculature is the same as with every other muscle: intense, direct resistance training, not a bunch of calisthenics and stability gimmicks. I suggest you just forget the issue altogether.
So all that stuff is useless for running? I know sub 4 posted about doing core and weight training on the sub 1:50 thread and some of the elites put it on their training log. Are there any good exercises for the core that will help with running? I know the best way to improve your time is running more and better, but is core as a supplement pretty useless?
you all fail at life wrote:
So-called "core" training, at least the way it's usually treated, is a nonsensical fad that spilled over into mainstream fitness from yoga and pilates. The only thing "core" exercises accomplish is that they make you good at doing core exercises. They have no value in terms of either running performance or injury prevention. The proper way to train the torso musculature is the same as with every other muscle: intense, direct resistance training, not a bunch of calisthenics and stability gimmicks. I suggest you just forget the issue altogether.
This is correct. You want a defined (read: RIPPED) midsection?
Do:
- squats
- deadlifts
- bench
- press
- row
- pullups
- sprints
Don't:
- planks
- situps
- crunches
Does that defined mid section improve your running then?
So planks and all are useless in terms of running?
So Oregons doing core but it's not your typical plank/sit-ups only stuff.
Anyone have a list of helpful core excersizes for running in conjunction with the guy above? And planks side planks and sit-ups are useless?
Core fanatic wrote:
Anyone have a list of helpful core excersizes for running in conjunction with the guy above? And planks side planks and sit-ups are useless?
The benefit to risk (slipped discs) ratio for situps is not good.
Planks are just plain useless.
Again, why are you guys so afraid of heavy weights?
I'm not I'm just wondering because the common opinion outside this site is that core (planks, sit-ups, and other excersizes) are good for you.
So what are some good core excersizes to do with dumbbells?
Squats with dumbbells, push-up rows with dumbbells, you can add a dumbell to sit-ups and do Russian twists, any other good ones?
The most important core muscles for a runner are the hip flexors and psoas.
Core fanatic wrote:
I'm not I'm just wondering because the common opinion outside this site is that core (planks, sit-ups, and other excersizes) are good for you.
So what are some good core excersizes to do with dumbbells?
Squats with dumbbells, push-up rows with dumbbells, you can add a dumbell to sit-ups and do Russian twists, any other good ones?
Why are you so consumed with core exercises? It sounds like you just want to do core for the sake of core.
In the context of a proper whole-body weight training program, core work is unnecessary because the trunk muscles will be addressed adequately by the other exercises. If you're not doing a proper whole-body weight training program, doing "core" alone will be useless.
you all fail at life wrote:
Why are you so consumed with core exercises? It sounds like you just want to do core for the sake of core.
In the context of a proper whole-body weight training program, core work is unnecessary because the trunk muscles will be addressed adequately by the other exercises. If you're not doing a proper whole-body weight training program, doing "core" alone will be useless.
+1. The OP probably read to much "Mens Health" Magazine. Guess what? The cover models don't do 500 situps and 2h of planks each day. They do heavy free weight compound movements and their abs are a side effect of these exercises combined with a healthy diet (e.g. paleo).
Just Sayin . . . wrote:
http://media.oregonlive.com/oregonian/photo/2013/04/12621135-essay.jpg
That's a chick's kettlebell.
Direct quote from Ed Eyestone:
You can never do too many sit-ups.
So are full body workouts good? Like deadlifts, lunges, squats, biceps, curls, butterfly, etc?
Like core on it's own isn't anything great, but is it worth doing full body workouts for arms/pecs/legs/core to supplement your running? (Specifically for an 800 runner)
Look, it's not going to hurt you. The main thing is dont get caught up in doing all the ancillary stuff in lieu of actual running.
For me I try to get in a few days of over all work but time is limited. If pressed for time always default to the run over the other crap.
When I line up on race day nobody cares how many push ups Ive done, it's only about how fast I can run.
The way that I understand it is that the bulk strength of the muscles in your "core" are not really going to help you run more efficiently and/or break down less. It has more to do with the correct firing of those stabilizing muscles. If your stabilizers are firing quickly and correctly to make micro-adjustments to your balance while you run, then they are doing their job properly. If not, some breakdown in your form might start to show up and an increase in intensity or mileage will only magnify the problem, potentially putting you out with an injury. If this is the case, then planks and sit ups will only get you so far and six pack abs will not necessarily get you those adaptations. What you really want to do is work on dynamic balance. Stuff like balancing/crawling on all fours on top of an exercise ball or one legged balancing with your eyes closed will work on that dynamic feedback. Keeping in mind that your core should be the primary source of balance, these types of exercises will get the neurons in all of those little stabilizing muscles firing quickly and efficiently. That's really what you want. Not generically strong abs.
"Anatomy for Runners" by Jay Dicharry outlines this very well in his book. I found his anecdote about a HS coach asking him what types of core workouts he should have his XC runners doing very interesting. He told the coach to buy a bunch of balance boards, longboard skateboards and exercise balls and let them play with those after a workout. They're more likely to enjoy racing each other across a field while crawling/balancing on exercise balls or slaloming on a longboard than doing a set of planks - and it's more effective.
