The times are changing. The old-school way of strengthening was isolation. Way back when you would find a way to dial into a muscle and “isolate” it to build strength. For decades (and this still happens), exercisers sat (sit) on a variety of leg machines to kick weight up (leg extensions), pull weight backward (hamstring curls), and push and pull our thighs in and out (hip adduction, abduction).

This was acceptable before we began to evaluate our anatomy and relate it back to function. Unfortunately, as our knowledge anatomy and movement grew, the way we exercise was left behind. Our muscles fire together during a movement. When we run, the muscles from your toes to your head fire together. You’ll never selectively fire your quadriceps (front of thigh) without engaging a host of complimentary muscles that assist the movement pattern.

The ultimate goal of strength should be to support and enhance your activities. For some, that’s running. Others? It means improving their overall fitness to move boxes, lift children, and perform a host of other activities without getting hurt.

The challenge for you moving forward is to embrace the idea of strengthening your muscles together and never in isolation. Your muscles fire together and not in isolation. To learn more, watch this:

Want Better Strength Training?

Supplement your running with strength workouts that are specifically designed for runners.