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Home » Q & A » Strength Training

Question: Will strength training help my running performance?

Question Description:
I've been running a lot to condition for Cross-Country the coming school year, and I just started a strength training (weightlifting) program. I was wondering, would building more muscle mass help me improve my running or prepare for Cross-Country?

Answer#1: Yes, the more leg muscle you have, the longer stride you can take, the more arm muscle you have, the more you can move your amrs to get you to that finish line quicker! Good luck!! :)

Answer#2: There is no question that lifting weights can help develop your strength so that you become a stronger runner. The key is to use low weights (50-60% of your max) with high repetition so that you develop your strength endurance while not ending up being too bulky so that you have extra weight that will slow you down.There are also benefits to developing your upper body and abdominals so that you can maintain the proper form without getting tired too quickly.However, there is no substitute for running in preparation for your upcoming cross country season. I recommend that you ask your coach for a training schedule that you can follow. Even running a few times a week will benefit you greatly next season because your muscles will be well prepared for running. Good luck next season~!

Answer#3: depends what you do for workoutsall you need to run distance is great Abbs not literal the Abbas showing but i mean you have to strengthen your Abbs musles alot and for legs hill trainning is good

Answer#4: Weight lifting doesn't help much for x country. But it's good for track. The best thing is just to run, run, run, run.

Answer#5: As a runner myself I made top 7 as a freshman so I know what I am talking about. I don't lift weights except for once in a while. You can build strength without that extra weight. Do push-ups, clap pushups and pull ups. If you really want to lift though do light weights for a long time. Do leg lifts the most though.

Answer#6: No, although weightlifting is good, it's not gonna help you with your running skills. I suggest that you keep running. By running it will help you keep your endurance up. If you are going to do Cross Country, you're going to have to have good endurance.