Strengthen your hamstrings

I battled a hamstring pull the whole spring. It almost halved my training; my speed and endurance suffered too. I wish I found this article before the spring training started. Here's a very useful exercise for runners. We tend to neglect our hamstrings, while out there running, or cross-training on the bicycle. I would suggest every runner to include this exercise as a part of his/her core-strength training.

STABILITY BALL LEG CURL

WORKS THE HAMSTRINGS TO PROTECT AGAINST KNEE INJURIES

1. Lie on your back and place both heels on top of a stability ball with your legs straight. Keep your arms on the floor to help you balance.

2. Lift your hips off the ground and bend your legs to roll the ball toward you until your feet are flat on the ball. Straighten your legs to roll the ball back to the starting position.

Do 2 to 3 sets of 12 to 15 repetitions.


The Scouting Magazine brings an issue with the core exercises for skiing season. All of the exercises can be incorporated into runner's cross-training and I would highly recommend them. You can see the rest of the article HERE.