Keeping In Shape – Long Distance Runners’ Conditioning Exercises

Article by Daryl B. Chapman

Running requires exact coordination of all the muscles in your body. The muscles in one’s upper body hold to work in an optimal running position ie head up, chest open, elbows bent, shoulders relaxed, and arms wavering. While the muscles in one’s lower body and abdominal core constantly works during a run. It stabilizes one’s trunk so it can efficiently move the legs and arms. Long-distance running requires a balance in energy, as it is very energy consuming. It necessitates complete mental agility and conditioning workout.

What does conditioning exercise mean?

Conditioning workouts are exercises that amplify athletic skill and physical fitness but at the same time decreasing the chance of sports injuries. Several programs are formulated and these include weight training, aerobic exercise, plyometrics, calithenics, and workout based n real-life motions. These differ depending on fitness goals and athletes compliance altitude to fitness and athletes level (beginners versus experienced).

The principle following this type of exercises is based on the statement that the body must go through certain challenges in order for it to remodel to the stress exerted in the body during exercise. To accomplish excellent athletic performance, athletes use targeted, specific movements that mimic the moves used in the field or court.

There are two kind of conditioning workout: Aerobic and anaerobic conditioning. Aerobic conditioning uses oxygen to produce energy and it increases cardiovascular stamina and lung capacity. It includes any activity that increases heart rate and challenges heart and lung capacity. On the other hand, anaerobic conditioning does not use oxygen when producing energy. It is appropriate for sports that necessitate intense, sudden burst of strength or speed that are difficult to do for an extended period of time. Example of this kind of exercise includes sprinting and weight exercise.

Following are the best conditioning exercises intended for long distance runners:

1. Core conditioning exercise. One of the most important muscles that one must condition is the abdominal core muscles. These muscles assiduously work during a run as it stabilizes one