What are the best weightlifting exercises to become a faster runner?

Answer by  Nessie (21)

First of all, weightlifting does not improve your running speed on its own. It will, however, help if you have strong, muscular legs, so you should start exercising your lower body. You'll need to improve your breathing and heart muscle also. You can do that with a good exercise routine. Try to increase the speed and/or the time weekly.

Answer by  lonelywolf (2117)

Squats and Deadlifts will make your legs and core stronger so they can handle more stress and are more efficient. Leg Curls and Stiff-Leg Deadlifts will help as well.

Answer by  Lint (20)

I would suggest calf raises. while running for speed and not endurance, more strain is placed on the calf muscles. Doing calf raises very quickly, for a short time will replicate some of the stress on your legs you receive while sprinting.

Answer by  justme21 (130)

To become a faster runner, you'll want to do leg and core strengthening weightlifting. Some good exercises are squats, lunges, calf raises, crunches/sit-ups, and planks. Be careful to ease into weightlifting if you are new to it.

Answer by  Ashli (251)

It depends. If you want to be a sprinter, it would be a good idea to do things such as squats and leg press. Mainly exercises that will work your glutes, quads and hamstrings.

Answer by  Megan80 (161)

Squats,lunges,dead lifts, pile squats, lateral raises,bicep curls, tricep extensions, rows, chest fly and press, weigted crunches and half squats.

Answer by  Brett (7986)

Any exercises which will help strengthen the leg muscles would help the most - some of which would include leg press, leg extension, hamstring curls, squats, calf raises and lunges.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

If you want to be a really good runner, then you must invest in the P90X system. There are many weight training exercises in there that will help you achieve what you need. You also use weights with lunges for more effective jumping as a runner and it helps a lot.

Answer by  Brett (7986)

I would highly recommend weightlifting exercises which will help strengthen your legs and abs. Squats, leg press, leg extensions, hamstring pulls and hamstring extensions would all be recommended, as would your basic situps, crunches, etc. In addition, resistance exercises would be of assistance (running in water, running with bands pulling against you, etc.).

Answer by  rnovikoffgmailcom (1722)

Squats will make your legs stronger, make sure you are doing high reps which will give you better endurance for running.