.svg){kind=icon}
Inner Core Exercises for Female Runners
Train 2-3 times a week to improve your running
.webp)
Let’s get one thing straight – by strengthening your core, I don’t mean ‘get a six pack’. I’m talking about the inner core as an entire complex and not a single vanity muscle.
The core is what we use to stabilise the upper and lower body, improve posture and generally reduce the risk of injury. Our inner core is made up of the diaphragm, multifidus, internal obliques, transverse abdominus and the pelvic floor.
At the elite level of running, a strong core (thanks to good posture) can actually improve your speed.
While both men and women have the exact same muscles and need a strong core and hips to run well, it’s thought to be far more important for female runners. Here’s why.
Why do female runners need a strong inner core?
Generally speaking, females have wider hips than men. This means they have a wider Q-angle (the angle between the quadriceps muscle and the patella tendon).
This wider Q-angle means that women are more likely to suffer from knock-knees and pronated feet. This can be due to women using their quads as a dominant muscle as opposed to relying on their core to stabilise them.
Top 3 Bodyweight Core Exercises for Running
In order to get the most out of these exercises, perform each movement slowly with control. Your focus should always be on correct form and not rushing through the movement as quickly as possible.
Walking Lunge
This is a compound movement that engages your quads, glutes, hamstrings and core muscles at the same time. It’s versatile (can be done with weights, twisting movements or even in reverse!) and tests your balance and coordination.
.webp)
- Try 3 sets of 10 reps while focusing primarily on your glutes and quads.
Side Plank
The side plank is great for training the oblique abdominal muscles that don’t usually get worked during the more mainstream ab exercises. It also puts less stress through the lumbar region than the front plank so is great for anyone with back issues.
- Try 3 sets holding for 20-30 seconds on each side. Focus on your spine stability.
Single Leg Glute Bridge
This is a slightly more advanced exercise as you’re driving up with only one leg instead of both. I recommend this exercise as it really challenges your core to keep you stable. It’s great for people that spend a lot of time sitting down!
.webp)
- Try 3 sets of 15 reps on each leg, focussing on your outer hip muscles and glutes.
If the above reps and sets are too challenging, then scale them back by reducing the count until you build strong enough to hold this rep scheme.
If you need an extra challenge then feel free to add some light weights to the lunges, more reps to the glute bridge and a twist/rotation into the side plank!
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions: sh@innerfight.com
.jpg)
ENGINE
Running into your Mikkos Cals from last week for Erg intervals into Running.
GYMNASTICS
This week we continue to focus on Toes to Bar utilising other skill work/progressions for the movement before we shift our focus to Handstand hold/walk work!
HYROX
Hyrox Specific Strength work into running into a sled and farmers carry workout.
MOBILITY
There is no mobility this week. It will resume on Saturday, 25th of January.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we are hitting some banded bench presses and progressing the loading on this and the banded row. Wednesday, we have banded back squats followed by some heavy hip thrusts.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in Weightlifting, we are focused on the Hang Snatch, which has some snatch balance, a Heavy Snatch complex, and some Pulls.
.jpg)
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
.jpg)
Monday
Time: 5:59am and 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
We will start the session with a 20 mins recovery run, then head into out mobility.
We will be doing this session outside, so please dress in warm clothing. We will provide yoga mats, but feel free to bring your own.
PM Session: This evening we will have our Tempo Run, which will be 6 mins at 7/10 and 3 mins recovery.
x4. Aim to keep a 7/10 effort on each block of work.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. The session today will be 2km at 10km pace into 400m repeats at 3km pace.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. The session is 1km repeats, each with a 2 mins rest. Keep the effort about 8/10 on the km runs.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be holding the tempo pace (7/10) for 5 mins, each with a 1 min rest. Repeat the sequce 7x before coffees at 7am as a community.
Sunday
Time: 06:00
Session: Dirtopia
Location: The Sevens, check WA for exact Location:
From 6am - midday clients and coaches will be running Dirtopia. Come along and support if you are not running.
.jpg)
We start the week with hinge endurance and a spicy partner, AMRAP, with Deadlift ski and wall walks. On Tuesday, we have some gymnastics and interval work. Wednesday, we are working on our overhead strength with the push press and push jerk, followed by a fast workout and the second week of our assault bike work progression. Thursday, we are snatching in the strength piece and then a For Time workout to get after. We finish the week with a double workout for Friday therapy.
Monday:
Strength:
Barbell Good Mornings into Banded Good Mornings
Conditioning:
AMRAP 20 Partner Workout
15/12 cal Ski
8 DL (120/80)
3 wall walks
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Kipping Pull Ups + Ring Rows
B) Wall Balls + Goblet Wall Sit
Conditioning:
In a 3 Minute window
30/24 Cal Row
10 burpee over the rower
AMRAP in the remaining time Box Jump steps down
rest 2 mins
x 4
Wednesday:
Strength:
Push Press + Push Jerk
Conditioning:
30-20-10
Alt Db Reverse lunge (2 x 50/35)
DB STOH
AB Mat sit-ups
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Snatch Complex Power Snatch + Hang Power Snatch + OHS
Conditioning:
5 rounds for time
12 Power Snatch (40/30)
12 Push-ups
30 Air squats
Friday:
Some 5-minute intervals to finish off the week. Will you be able to hold the pace? Have your running shoes, your lung,s and your gymnastic game ready!
Let’s get one thing straight – by strengthening your core, I don’t mean ‘get a six pack’. I’m talking about the inner core as an entire complex and not a single vanity muscle.
The core is what we use to stabilise the upper and lower body, improve posture and generally reduce the risk of injury. Our inner core is made up of the diaphragm, multifidus, internal obliques, transverse abdominus and the pelvic floor.
At the elite level of running, a strong core (thanks to good posture) can actually improve your speed.
While both men and women have the exact same muscles and need a strong core and hips to run well, it’s thought to be far more important for female runners. Here’s why.
Why do female runners need a strong inner core?
Generally speaking, females have wider hips than men. This means they have a wider Q-angle (the angle between the quadriceps muscle and the patella tendon).
This wider Q-angle means that women are more likely to suffer from knock-knees and pronated feet. This can be due to women using their quads as a dominant muscle as opposed to relying on their core to stabilise them.
Top 3 Bodyweight Core Exercises for Running
In order to get the most out of these exercises, perform each movement slowly with control. Your focus should always be on correct form and not rushing through the movement as quickly as possible.
Walking Lunge
This is a compound movement that engages your quads, glutes, hamstrings and core muscles at the same time. It’s versatile (can be done with weights, twisting movements or even in reverse!) and tests your balance and coordination.
- Try 3 sets of 10 reps while focusing primarily on your glutes and quads.
Side Plank
The side plank is great for training the oblique abdominal muscles that don’t usually get worked during the more mainstream ab exercises. It also puts less stress through the lumbar region than the front plank so is great for anyone with back issues.
- Try 3 sets holding for 20-30 seconds on each side. Focus on your spine stability.
Single Leg Glute Bridge
This is a slightly more advanced exercise as you’re driving up with only one leg instead of both. I recommend this exercise as it really challenges your core to keep you stable. It’s great for people that spend a lot of time sitting down!
- Try 3 sets of 15 reps on each leg, focussing on your outer hip muscles and glutes.
If the above reps and sets are too challenging, then scale them back by reducing the count until you build strong enough to hold this rep scheme.
If you need an extra challenge then feel free to add some light weights to the lunges, more reps to the glute bridge and a twist/rotation into the side plank!
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions: sh@innerfight.com
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Monday
Time: 5:59am and 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
We will start the session with a 20 mins recovery run, then head into out mobility.
We will be doing this session outside, so please dress in warm clothing. We will provide yoga mats, but feel free to bring your own.
PM Session: This evening we will have our Tempo Run, which will be 6 mins at 7/10 and 3 mins recovery.
x4. Aim to keep a 7/10 effort on each block of work.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. The session today will be 2km at 10km pace into 400m repeats at 3km pace.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. The session is 1km repeats, each with a 2 mins rest. Keep the effort about 8/10 on the km runs.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be holding the tempo pace (7/10) for 5 mins, each with a 1 min rest. Repeat the sequce 7x before coffees at 7am as a community.
Sunday
Time: 06:00
Session: Dirtopia
Location: The Sevens, check WA for exact Location:
From 6am - midday clients and coaches will be running Dirtopia. Come along and support if you are not running.
We start the week with hinge endurance and a spicy partner, AMRAP, with Deadlift ski and wall walks. On Tuesday, we have some gymnastics and interval work. Wednesday, we are working on our overhead strength with the push press and push jerk, followed by a fast workout and the second week of our assault bike work progression. Thursday, we are snatching in the strength piece and then a For Time workout to get after. We finish the week with a double workout for Friday therapy.
Monday:
Strength:
Barbell Good Mornings into Banded Good Mornings
Conditioning:
AMRAP 20 Partner Workout
15/12 cal Ski
8 DL (120/80)
3 wall walks
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Kipping Pull Ups + Ring Rows
B) Wall Balls + Goblet Wall Sit
Conditioning:
In a 3 Minute window
30/24 Cal Row
10 burpee over the rower
AMRAP in the remaining time Box Jump steps down
rest 2 mins
x 4
Wednesday:
Strength:
Push Press + Push Jerk
Conditioning:
30-20-10
Alt Db Reverse lunge (2 x 50/35)
DB STOH
AB Mat sit-ups
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Snatch Complex Power Snatch + Hang Power Snatch + OHS
Conditioning:
5 rounds for time
12 Power Snatch (40/30)
12 Push-ups
30 Air squats
Friday:
Some 5-minute intervals to finish off the week. Will you be able to hold the pace? Have your running shoes, your lung,s and your gymnastic game ready!
ENGINE
Running into your Mikkos Cals from last week for Erg intervals into Running.
GYMNASTICS
This week we continue to focus on Toes to Bar utilising other skill work/progressions for the movement before we shift our focus to Handstand hold/walk work!
HYROX
Hyrox Specific Strength work into running into a sled and farmers carry workout.
MOBILITY
There is no mobility this week. It will resume on Saturday, 25th of January.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we are hitting some banded bench presses and progressing the loading on this and the banded row. Wednesday, we have banded back squats followed by some heavy hip thrusts.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in Weightlifting, we are focused on the Hang Snatch, which has some snatch balance, a Heavy Snatch complex, and some Pulls.
Let’s get one thing straight – by strengthening your core, I don’t mean ‘get a six pack’. I’m talking about the inner core as an entire complex and not a single vanity muscle.
The core is what we use to stabilise the upper and lower body, improve posture and generally reduce the risk of injury. Our inner core is made up of the diaphragm, multifidus, internal obliques, transverse abdominus and the pelvic floor.
At the elite level of running, a strong core (thanks to good posture) can actually improve your speed.
While both men and women have the exact same muscles and need a strong core and hips to run well, it’s thought to be far more important for female runners. Here’s why.
Why do female runners need a strong inner core?
Generally speaking, females have wider hips than men. This means they have a wider Q-angle (the angle between the quadriceps muscle and the patella tendon).
This wider Q-angle means that women are more likely to suffer from knock-knees and pronated feet. This can be due to women using their quads as a dominant muscle as opposed to relying on their core to stabilise them.
Top 3 Bodyweight Core Exercises for Running
In order to get the most out of these exercises, perform each movement slowly with control. Your focus should always be on correct form and not rushing through the movement as quickly as possible.
Walking Lunge
This is a compound movement that engages your quads, glutes, hamstrings and core muscles at the same time. It’s versatile (can be done with weights, twisting movements or even in reverse!) and tests your balance and coordination.
- Try 3 sets of 10 reps while focusing primarily on your glutes and quads.
Side Plank
The side plank is great for training the oblique abdominal muscles that don’t usually get worked during the more mainstream ab exercises. It also puts less stress through the lumbar region than the front plank so is great for anyone with back issues.
- Try 3 sets holding for 20-30 seconds on each side. Focus on your spine stability.
Single Leg Glute Bridge
This is a slightly more advanced exercise as you’re driving up with only one leg instead of both. I recommend this exercise as it really challenges your core to keep you stable. It’s great for people that spend a lot of time sitting down!
- Try 3 sets of 15 reps on each leg, focussing on your outer hip muscles and glutes.
If the above reps and sets are too challenging, then scale them back by reducing the count until you build strong enough to hold this rep scheme.
If you need an extra challenge then feel free to add some light weights to the lunges, more reps to the glute bridge and a twist/rotation into the side plank!
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions: sh@innerfight.com
Monday
Time: 5:59am and 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
We will start the session with a 20 mins recovery run, then head into out mobility.
We will be doing this session outside, so please dress in warm clothing. We will provide yoga mats, but feel free to bring your own.
PM Session: This evening we will have our Tempo Run, which will be 6 mins at 7/10 and 3 mins recovery.
x4. Aim to keep a 7/10 effort on each block of work.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. The session today will be 2km at 10km pace into 400m repeats at 3km pace.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. The session is 1km repeats, each with a 2 mins rest. Keep the effort about 8/10 on the km runs.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be holding the tempo pace (7/10) for 5 mins, each with a 1 min rest. Repeat the sequce 7x before coffees at 7am as a community.
Sunday
Time: 06:00
Session: Dirtopia
Location: The Sevens, check WA for exact Location:
From 6am - midday clients and coaches will be running Dirtopia. Come along and support if you are not running.
We start the week with hinge endurance and a spicy partner, AMRAP, with Deadlift ski and wall walks. On Tuesday, we have some gymnastics and interval work. Wednesday, we are working on our overhead strength with the push press and push jerk, followed by a fast workout and the second week of our assault bike work progression. Thursday, we are snatching in the strength piece and then a For Time workout to get after. We finish the week with a double workout for Friday therapy.
Monday:
Strength:
Barbell Good Mornings into Banded Good Mornings
Conditioning:
AMRAP 20 Partner Workout
15/12 cal Ski
8 DL (120/80)
3 wall walks
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Kipping Pull Ups + Ring Rows
B) Wall Balls + Goblet Wall Sit
Conditioning:
In a 3 Minute window
30/24 Cal Row
10 burpee over the rower
AMRAP in the remaining time Box Jump steps down
rest 2 mins
x 4
Wednesday:
Strength:
Push Press + Push Jerk
Conditioning:
30-20-10
Alt Db Reverse lunge (2 x 50/35)
DB STOH
AB Mat sit-ups
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Snatch Complex Power Snatch + Hang Power Snatch + OHS
Conditioning:
5 rounds for time
12 Power Snatch (40/30)
12 Push-ups
30 Air squats
Friday:
Some 5-minute intervals to finish off the week. Will you be able to hold the pace? Have your running shoes, your lung,s and your gymnastic game ready!
ENGINE
Running into your Mikkos Cals from last week for Erg intervals into Running.
GYMNASTICS
This week we continue to focus on Toes to Bar utilising other skill work/progressions for the movement before we shift our focus to Handstand hold/walk work!
HYROX
Hyrox Specific Strength work into running into a sled and farmers carry workout.
MOBILITY
There is no mobility this week. It will resume on Saturday, 25th of January.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we are hitting some banded bench presses and progressing the loading on this and the banded row. Wednesday, we have banded back squats followed by some heavy hip thrusts.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in Weightlifting, we are focused on the Hang Snatch, which has some snatch balance, a Heavy Snatch complex, and some Pulls.
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Let’s get one thing straight – by strengthening your core, I don’t mean ‘get a six pack’. I’m talking about the inner core as an entire complex and not a single vanity muscle.
The core is what we use to stabilise the upper and lower body, improve posture and generally reduce the risk of injury. Our inner core is made up of the diaphragm, multifidus, internal obliques, transverse abdominus and the pelvic floor.
At the elite level of running, a strong core (thanks to good posture) can actually improve your speed.
While both men and women have the exact same muscles and need a strong core and hips to run well, it’s thought to be far more important for female runners. Here’s why.
Why do female runners need a strong inner core?
Generally speaking, females have wider hips than men. This means they have a wider Q-angle (the angle between the quadriceps muscle and the patella tendon).
This wider Q-angle means that women are more likely to suffer from knock-knees and pronated feet. This can be due to women using their quads as a dominant muscle as opposed to relying on their core to stabilise them.
Top 3 Bodyweight Core Exercises for Running
In order to get the most out of these exercises, perform each movement slowly with control. Your focus should always be on correct form and not rushing through the movement as quickly as possible.
Walking Lunge
This is a compound movement that engages your quads, glutes, hamstrings and core muscles at the same time. It’s versatile (can be done with weights, twisting movements or even in reverse!) and tests your balance and coordination.
- Try 3 sets of 10 reps while focusing primarily on your glutes and quads.
Side Plank
The side plank is great for training the oblique abdominal muscles that don’t usually get worked during the more mainstream ab exercises. It also puts less stress through the lumbar region than the front plank so is great for anyone with back issues.
- Try 3 sets holding for 20-30 seconds on each side. Focus on your spine stability.
Single Leg Glute Bridge
This is a slightly more advanced exercise as you’re driving up with only one leg instead of both. I recommend this exercise as it really challenges your core to keep you stable. It’s great for people that spend a lot of time sitting down!
- Try 3 sets of 15 reps on each leg, focussing on your outer hip muscles and glutes.
If the above reps and sets are too challenging, then scale them back by reducing the count until you build strong enough to hold this rep scheme.
If you need an extra challenge then feel free to add some light weights to the lunges, more reps to the glute bridge and a twist/rotation into the side plank!
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions: sh@innerfight.com
Let’s get one thing straight – by strengthening your core, I don’t mean ‘get a six pack’. I’m talking about the inner core as an entire complex and not a single vanity muscle.
The core is what we use to stabilise the upper and lower body, improve posture and generally reduce the risk of injury. Our inner core is made up of the diaphragm, multifidus, internal obliques, transverse abdominus and the pelvic floor.
At the elite level of running, a strong core (thanks to good posture) can actually improve your speed.
While both men and women have the exact same muscles and need a strong core and hips to run well, it’s thought to be far more important for female runners. Here’s why.
Why do female runners need a strong inner core?
Generally speaking, females have wider hips than men. This means they have a wider Q-angle (the angle between the quadriceps muscle and the patella tendon).
This wider Q-angle means that women are more likely to suffer from knock-knees and pronated feet. This can be due to women using their quads as a dominant muscle as opposed to relying on their core to stabilise them.
Top 3 Bodyweight Core Exercises for Running
In order to get the most out of these exercises, perform each movement slowly with control. Your focus should always be on correct form and not rushing through the movement as quickly as possible.
Walking Lunge
This is a compound movement that engages your quads, glutes, hamstrings and core muscles at the same time. It’s versatile (can be done with weights, twisting movements or even in reverse!) and tests your balance and coordination.
- Try 3 sets of 10 reps while focusing primarily on your glutes and quads.
Side Plank
The side plank is great for training the oblique abdominal muscles that don’t usually get worked during the more mainstream ab exercises. It also puts less stress through the lumbar region than the front plank so is great for anyone with back issues.
- Try 3 sets holding for 20-30 seconds on each side. Focus on your spine stability.
Single Leg Glute Bridge
This is a slightly more advanced exercise as you’re driving up with only one leg instead of both. I recommend this exercise as it really challenges your core to keep you stable. It’s great for people that spend a lot of time sitting down!
- Try 3 sets of 15 reps on each leg, focussing on your outer hip muscles and glutes.
If the above reps and sets are too challenging, then scale them back by reducing the count until you build strong enough to hold this rep scheme.
If you need an extra challenge then feel free to add some light weights to the lunges, more reps to the glute bridge and a twist/rotation into the side plank!
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions: sh@innerfight.com
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
.jpg)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
