Why I Created the Runner’s Strength & Mobility Classes

Not all strength workouts are created equal. Although doing some form of strength training is certainly more beneficial than skipping weights all together, generic strength classes often don’t cater to the unique needs of runners. Running puts very specific (and repetitive) demands on the body, so I have designed Runner's Strength and Mobility Classes that complement your primary activity.  It quickly became clear that there was more I could and should do to help the Eugene running community thrive. This was the impetus of my runners' strength and mobility class. Together we can help you evolve into a stronger, more efficient runner. 

Why Runner’s Strength?

After years of working with runners, some patterns start to emerge over and over again.  

• 1. Repetitive stress injuries from the lack of variety in their movement patterns. 

• 2. Lack of flexibility and mobility in key areas of the body including the ankles, hips, and spine.

• 3. Weakness in key muscle areas including the hips, core, and single leg stabilizer muscles (Muscles that are absolutely ESSENTIAL for running).

What if there was a way to prevent runners from falling into these common patterns that perpetuate a cycle of injury and punctuate the continuity of their training? 

What if there was a way to help runners after we have fully rehabbed their running injury, so that once they are healthy, they maintain good habits and STAY that way?

Staying on track with your running and training goals doesn’t end when you complete a bout of physical therapy. Here are two great ways to take performance to the next level:

1. Maintenance physical therapy, or check-in/ tune up appointments with your physical therapist is a great way to hold yourself accountable, and stay on board with your rehab and performance goals. This way, you have the guidance and expertise of a physical therapist who can help you resolve small niggles before they escalate into an injury. 

2. Runners Strength and Mobility Classes. These classes are tailored specifically to the needs of runners. If you’re ready to get started, sign up here. To learn more about why this is a great route for you, keep reading.

A Class Built by a Runner, for Runners 

This class isn't just your typical gym circuit or bootcamp style class. It is tailored to the specific needs of runners: In each 55 minute session, you will work on:

• Dynamic Warm Up

 Just like before a run, a dynamic warm up gets your body ready for higher level tasks

• Plyometrics

  Also known as jumping exercises,  these help improve the efficiency of your muscles and tendons for running (link why runners should jump)

• Single Leg Strength

Being an efficient runner REQUIRES good single leg stability and  control, which is often lacking in conventional strength programs

• Core and Hip Work 

Running is a repetitive back and forth movement, so it is important that we strengthen our muscles in multiple planes to prevent weakness and compensation from developing.

• Progressions

As a doctor of physical therapy and a competitive runner, I bring a unique skill set to class, and can help you increase, or decrease the challenge of the exercises, modifying for injuries as needed. 

• The RIGHT Level of Challenge 

 I know that as a runner, your priority is running. Strength training should complement your running routine, not take away from it.  That is why this class focuses on getting you stronger, without making you so sore or dog tired that it interferes with your running schedule. 

• Mobility

Stretching key areas that tend to get stiff and tight for most runners keeps you moving efficiently. 

Strength in Numbers

We keep the size of these classes small so that you can build community, getting to know the other athletes in the class. It also enables instructors to keep tabs on everyone’s movement, providing cues and corrections as needed. Whether you're training for your first trail race, track race, marathon or 5k, we will meet you where you are at and give you the tools to get there.

You will be instructed by someone who doesn’t just tell you what you should do, but who has been invested in your success since the class first formed. You can also rest assured I practice what I preach with both running and lifting. I have seen first hand results for both myself and the clients that I work with. 

Runners deserve more than a quick fix for their injuries, and more than just generic exercise classes to both maintain healthy habits and sustain their running lifestyle. This class helps athletes become durable and resilient, often resulting in running personal bests along the way. Try out our runner's strength and mobility class, or any of the other strength training options that Zenith has to offer.