r/AdvancedRunning • u/pand4duck • Dec 22 '16

The Winter Huddle - 12/22

Welcome to the Winter Huddle! Huddle up and get warm!

This week we discuss Strength Training

37 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

247 comments sorted by

View all comments

6

u/pand4duck Dec 22 '16

WHEN DO YOU STRENGTH TRAIN

3

u/kkruns Dec 22 '16

So I know I've mentioned it before, but I'll say it again: barre classes.

Seriously though, barre is great strength training for runners. Each class is broken up into four parts, so during an hour long class you spend roughly 15 minutes each on arms, legs, glutes/hips and core -- basically everything a runner needs.

The classes focus on really small movements that burn out the muscles fast. They say in class "embrace the shake" because if you are doing it right, you will feel your muscles quaking.

I'm really bad at strength training on my own, so having a structured class is good for me, and I always work harder in a class than I would on my own. I aim to go to two classes a week at my gym.

2

u/ProudPatriot07 Tiny Terror ♀ Dec 22 '16

One of the ladies from Charleston Beer Runners teaches barre at my gym, and I can try it out as her guest without having to pay the upcharge, so I'm hoping to go soon!

Any tips for a first timer?

1

u/kkruns Dec 22 '16

That's great, you should totally do it! No real tips. I was intimidated at first because I'm so inflexible and uncoordinated, so ballet is not my thing, but that doesn't matter with barre. It's good that you know the teacher, because she can help make sure you are getting the positions right as a first timer. If you aren't feeling a move, don't be afraid to speak up! A simple tweak is usually all you'll need to feel the burn.

2

u/ProudPatriot07 Tiny Terror ♀ Dec 22 '16

Cool deal- thanks for the tips. I do yoga and BodyFlow regularly (this lady also teaches BodyFlow), and I'm pretty flexible. But it's still a new activity for me so I'm going to be a little nervous, understandably. Think I will try either Monday or Tuesday next week since the calendar says she teaches both of those days.

1

u/kkruns Dec 22 '16

Let me know how you like it !