Of all the different types of athletes out there, runners might take the cake when it comes to chronic injury. Though every runner is different, there are a handful of injuries that are typical of runners including Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and “runners knee.” No movement is inherently good or bad. Injury occurs when the external load exceeds the load bearing capacity of the tissues. Simply put, if your joints, tissues and muscles, are not strong enough to perform the tasks you’re asking of them, an injury is inevitable leaving athletes looking for a variety of exercises to prevent injury in runners

Despite what non-runners commonly say: “running is bad for your knees!”, the fact is that if your knees and surrounding tissues can support the load bearing capacity of running, and your joints function the way that they are supposed to, running is not bad for your knees, hips, ankles, feet, or whatever other part of the body you can think of.

Imagine this scenario. You buy a car to drive daily and everything runs well. You put gas in it, and occasionally run it through a car wash. But suppose you put diesel in it instead of gas one day. Would you be surprised if it didn’t run as well, or at all? What if you didn’t do any maintenance at all, and your engine seized because you forgot to put oil in it? Would you expect your car to run without doing the basic maintenance required for the car to run or outraged that it quit working? Now imagine that your body is the vehicle. The gas is healthy, balanced meals, while the diesel is greasy, junk food. Your joints and muscles are the engine, while strength and mobility work are the oil.

Maintenance isn’t sexy, or cool. It’s time consuming and it doesn’t appear to have any immediate benefit. But when it comes down to it, maintenance is what keeps your body functioning healthily, and what allows you to continue to do what you love, pain-free.

The truth is that there is no magic group of exercises that can be done once in a while that will keep you from injury. Preventing injury means CONSISTENTLY fueling your body properly, listening to what it’s telling you, and incorporating a regular strength and mobility program to compliment your run training.

With that being said, here are some exercises that can be used in as a warm up or cool down, or be used as additional prehab exercises in your strength program. This series will strengthen the glutes, hamstrings and core, which are typically weaknesses for runners.

1. Lunge Matrix (Front, Lateral and Reverse) x 3-6 per leg

The Lunge Matrix is 3 lunges – front, lateral and reverse.  First step is to lunge forward bending the knees so both legs make roughly 90 degree angles. Push off the front leg and return to the starting position. The second lunge, or lateral lunge, is to the side. The leg that takes the step should be bent, while the other leg remains straight and stretched out to the side. Return to start position. Finally, the third lunge, or the reverse lunge, you step back, so you end up in the same 90 degree lunge position as the forward lunge, just on the other leg.

2. Glute Bridge with March x 6-10 per leg

Start on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Drive your heels into the floor, squeeze your glutes and lift your hips off the floor. Brace your core and slowly lift one leg off of the ground bringing your bent knee toward your nose until your shin is parallel with the ceiling. Be sure that your hips do not drop and your torso doesn’t rotate when you lift your leg.

3. Pallof Iso-Hold Dead bug x 6-10 per leg, per side

Start on your back with your body perpendicular to a strength band. Bring the band to the center of your body with arms straight out in front. The band should have enough tension that there is no slack when arms are extended. Knees can be bent or straight with shins or feet parallel with the ceiling. Keep the low back pushed into the ground and rib cage down as you slowly lower one leg to a hover then back to the starting position. Once you have done reps on one side, spin around and repeat.

4. Standing Banded Single Leg Hip Flexion x 8-10 per leg

Stand perpendicular to the band with the band around the ankle of the outside leg. Standing on the inside leg, lift the leg with the band to 90 degrees. There should be enough tension on the band that the stance leg has to work to keep balance, while the banded leg has to resist the lower leg from being pulled inward.  Don’t forget to keep the rib cage down, and core braced.

5. Plank Drags x 10-15 per side 

Using an object of your choosing (sandbag, dumbbell, etc.), start in a high plank with the object of your choice to one side. Using the hand that is on the opposite side of the body, reach under your torso and drag it across to the other side. Plant that hand, then reach with the opposite hand again to bring the object back across. Keep your hips square to the floor, ensuring that they don’t sag or rotate.  Keep a neutral spine with core and glutes braced at all times.

Here are some valuable tips for runners, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete:

  1. Start Slowly: If you’re new to running, begin with a manageable pace and distance to prevent overexertion and injuries. Gradually increase intensity and distance as your fitness improves.
  2. Proper Footwear: Invest in a good pair of running shoes that fit well and provide the right support for your foot type. Replace them when they show signs of wear and tear.
  3. Warm-Up: Always warm up before running to prepare your muscles and reduce the risk of injury. Gentle dynamic stretches, such as leg swings and hip circles, are effective.
  4. Proper Form: Focus on maintaining good running form. Keep your posture upright, shoulders relaxed, and arms bent at 90 degrees. Avoid overstriding to prevent injury.
  5. Hydration: Stay adequately hydrated before, during, and after your runs. Dehydration can negatively impact performance and recovery.
  6. Nutrition: Fuel your body with a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Eat a light meal or snack 1-2 hours before running for sustained energy.
  7. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel during your runs. If you experience pain or discomfort, don’t push through it. Rest or seek professional advice if needed.
  8. Cross-Training: Incorporate cross-training activities like cycling, swimming, or strength training into your routine to improve overall fitness and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
  9. Rest and Recovery: Schedule rest days into your training plan. Recovery is essential for muscle repair and injury prevention. Consider practices like foam rolling and stretching.
  10. Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable running goals. Whether it’s a specific race, distance, or time, having goals can help motivate and track progress.
  11. Vary Your Terrain: Running on different surfaces (e.g., trails, roads, tracks) can reduce the risk of overuse injuries and keep your training interesting.
  12. Safety First: Run during daylight hours or in well-lit areas when possible. Wear reflective gear if running in low-light conditions and be mindful of traffic.
  13. Stretch and Cool Down: After your run, perform static stretches to improve flexibility and cool down gradually.
  14. Track Your Progress: Use a running app or journal to log your runs, track your pace, and monitor improvements.
  15. Join a Running Group: Running with a group can provide motivation, accountability, and camaraderie.
  16. Listen to Music or Podcasts: Many runners enjoy the distraction and motivation provided by music or podcasts during their runs. Invest in comfortable headphones.
  17. Incorporate Hill Training: Hill running can strengthen leg muscles, improve cardiovascular fitness, and add variety to your routine.
  18. Be Patient: Progress in running takes time. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks or plateaus. Stay consistent, and you’ll see improvements.
  19. Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest information on running techniques, injury prevention, and nutrition to continually improve your running experience.
  20. Consult a Coach or Trainer: If you’re serious about your running goals, consider working with a running coach or trainer who can provide personalized guidance and support.

Remember that running is a personal journey, and what works best for one person may not be ideal for another. Tailor these tips to your individual needs and goals, and always prioritize your health and safety while enjoying the many benefits of running.

Incorporating injury prevention exercises into your running routine is not just a smart choice but a crucial one. By strengthening the right muscles, improving flexibility, and maintaining good running form, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries that can disrupt your training and overall well-being. Remember, consistency is key. Dedicate time to these exercises, listen to your body, and consult a physical therapist or coach if you have specific concerns. With the right balance of running and targeted exercises, you can enjoy the long-term benefits of this rewarding sport while minimizing the chances of injuries holding you back. Stay safe, run strong, and achieve your running goals.

Author Bio

Dr. Christopher R. Boone is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who welcomes patients from Bellevue, Washington, and the surrounding region. He specializes in robotic knee and hips replacement surgery, complex hip disorders including femoroacetabular impingement, hip dysplasia, and hip labral tears. He also has extensive training in complex hip and knee surgery, hip arthroscopy, and minimally invasive anterior hip replacement surgery.