Lakota Gambill
New research stresses the importance of having a strong upper body when it comes to running efficiency.
Training your upper body improves your running because it helps you prevent fatigue and improves endurance.
Adding exercises such as planks, back extensions, and squats to overhead presses to your strength training routine is a great way to work multiple muscle groups at once.
For better running efficiency, it’s a given that you need a strong lower body—including your glutes, calves, and quads—as well as more flexibility and mobility in your hips, knees, and ankles. Does that mean your upper body is just along for the ride, though? Turns out, it may play a bigger role in running than you might think.