Every runner needs a good leg strength workout (or two or three). While running is itself providing the vast majority of strengthening a runner might need, most training does not address everything. How is your coordination and stability? When you stand on one leg, do you hold steady or wobble a little? How about when you do a standing lunge? What we find is that a targeted functional movement leg strength workout improves both running mechanics (and therefore economy) and perceived effort. 

Answer then, these simple questions: do you want to run better? Do you want to feel better while you run? Then listen up.

The Goal of an Effective Leg Strength Workout

For runners, the ideal leg strength workout fulfills two simple goals:

1. It strengthens the functional movement of the target muscle groups.
2. It leverages proper mechanical and postural elements of good running.

These rules do not entirely exclude things like a good deadlift now and then, but such power-building elements are not necessarily the kinds of workouts that will fulfill the promises above (better running and lower effort).

Instead, we focus on movements that reinforce good running practices along functional motion paths. This means that when doing things like a squat, it is better to squat with one leg (runners don’t run with both legs on the ground) and position the body as though moving through a stride pattern. Of course, that doesn’t mean a standard squat is not valuable, and in most instances, it would be recommended to do both. This will make perfect sense when you watch the videos below.

But perhaps one of the most essential considerations is what other parts of the body are doing. The ones not being directly stimulated by the movement. An upright chest with shoulders back, arms held at about ninety degrees. These the things we are thinking about when performing a movement. It is not the same for each exercise, so the consideration hinges upon knowing what the body should look like and be doing at all times. If that is not clear, the workout has just as much potential to be detrimental as helpful.

Therefore, for those who need a little jump start on the idea, we have provided two of our most common and highly recommended routines below, complete with videos for reference and demonstration!

(NOTE: These routines were created in collaboration with Adam Homolka, MPT, ART of Endurance Rehabilitation and Athletics, athleticrehabilitation.com.)

Leg Strength Workout 1: Stationary

Our Stationary Leg Strength Workout is the baseline recommendation we suggest for all runners looking to improve stability and coordination. It is easy to implement, combines seamlessly with other routines, and takes only a handful of minutes to perform 3 sets.

Movements are very dynamic but precise and controlled. When performing this routine, look for a flat space with a little bit of elbow room (as you will be standing in place the entire time, it is a fairly easy workout to do just about anywhere!). Be sure to keep movements slow and steady. If you find yourself wobbling all about, stand up and regain balance before trying the movement again.

Perform this circuit 2-3 times through. (Video below)

1. Single Leg Squat – Standard

Perform 5-10 reps on each leg.

• Stand on one leg, arms in a relaxed running position.
• Squat down on one leg, moving the other behind with bent knee (running posture). Arms should follow opposite legs.
• Rise back to neutral, remaining on one leg the entire time (for all reps).

2. Good Morning

Perform 5-10 reps.

• Stand relaxed on both legs, feet parallel.
• With hands behind head or on hips, bend at the waist until about parallel to the ground.
• Keep back and legs straight the entire time.
• Return slowly to neutral and repeat.
• Try to keep everything still except your waist (avoid the temptation to push hips back while you bend).

3. Deep Squat

Perform 5-10 reps.

• Stand relaxed on both legs, feet parallel, arms straight out in front of you.
• Squat slowly down past 90 degrees, then slowly return to neutral.
• Be sure to bend at the hips, pushing hips back as you squat and keep back straight.

4. Hip Extension

Perform 5-10 reps on each leg.

• Stand on one leg, hands on hips. Be sure back is straight, chest up, and shoulders back.
• Extend the opposite leg out, keeping foot parallel (do not rotate hip at all) and knee straight.
• Return slowly to neutral, remaining on one leg the entire time.
• Extension should not be uncomfortable or cause compression in the side in order to achieve.

5. Single Leg Squat – Forward Variation

Perform 5-10 reps on each leg.

• Stand on one leg, arms straight out in front of you.
• Hold the opposite leg out in front as well, knee straight (it does not need to be fully extended but rather enough in front of you to stay off the ground).
• Squat down slowly, keeping back straight, extended leg straight, and arms in front of you.
• Be sure to bend at the hip.
• Return slowly to neutral.

6. Single Leg Superman

Perform 5-10 reps on each leg.

• (Similar to single leg deadlift)
• Stand on one leg, arms relaxed at your side.
• Bend forward while bringing your leg out behind. Keep both your back and your extended leg straight.
• Swing arms straight out above head as you extend.
• Return slowly to neutral.

Check it out on video here (not loading below? Click here to view):

Leg Strength Workout 2: Plyometric

This Plyometric Leg Strength Workout (referenced in a previous article here) is the right move for those ready to level up strength and coordination with a bit more power focus. It is not, however, something all runners should pursue at all times in training. This workout is best performed after a strong baseline of leg strength has already been established. 

Movements involve a fair amount of springing and bouncing and focus on precise, quick activation. It is best to try to secure 20 meters or more of open space with at least 10 feet of width available.

(For added precision benefits, consider using an agility ladder.)

Perform this circuit 2-3 times through. (Video below, and check out this quick-reference downloadable PDF)

1. Single Leg Spring

Perform 5-10 reps on each leg.

• Stand on one leg and spring upward, driving the opposite knee and moving arms opposite legs.
• Keep back straight and head upright.
• Land on the same foot, touching the ground with your opposite arm, then spring back up, driving the opposite knee all the way.

2. Lateral Lunge Shuffle

Perform 10-20 reps to each side.

• Step forward with one foot.
• Drive the other foot laterally to the opposite side.
• Lunging to the side, touch the ground with your opposite arm.
• Return to neutral then repeat to the opposite side.

3. Squat Jumps

Perform 10-20 reps.

• Stand neutral with feet parallel, arms straight forward.
• Squat slowly down, pushing hips back and keeping back straight.
• Spring upward on flat feet. (Do not jump off the balls of your feet.)
• Keep back straight, arms extended, and eyes forward.
• Land on flat feet.
• Squat and launch again.

4. Single Leg Hops

Perform 10-20 reps on each leg.

• Stand relaxed on one leg, the other knee raised to hip level, arms in running position.
• Hop upward and forward, flexing at the ankle, not the knee.
• Propel off toes.
• Land on the balls of the same foot and continue bouncing.

5. Double Leg Hops

Perform 10-20 reps.

• Stand relaxed on both legs, arms in running position.
• Hop upward and forward, flexing at the ankle, not the knee.
• Propel off toes.
• Land on the balls of the feet and continue bouncing.

6. Lunge Switch Jumps

Perform 10-20 reps.

• Begin in a neutral position, arms in running position.
• Jump to a standard forward lunge position, extending one foot forward to land with knee at 90 degrees and the other back to land on toe with knee at 90 degrees.
• Keep arms in a running position opposite legs.
• Jump up and switch legs while in the air, landing in the opposite lunge position.

Check it out on video here (not loading below? Click here to view):

What Else Can We do?

Naturally, a sound leg strength workout is a great start for runners, but it won’t do it all. Building leg strength is far more complex than simply doing a few exercises, regardless of how effective. To learn more about the best ways to build leg strength, give a listen to this episode of the AtoZrunning Podcast. And if you like what you see here but need more direct and immediate help making things happen, consider a training consultation or check out our other coaching and training services.