Running Strength Exercise: 1-Leg Deadlift

The muscles on the outside of your hips (termed the “external rotators”) are a classic weak spot on runners. Weakness there can lead to a host of injury issues, not the least of which is ITBFS.

 

To help strength the area it’s good to focus on exercises that feature having your feet on the ground, and focusing on 1-leg exercises, if possible.

 

The 1-leg deadlift is a great exercise to add into your strength routine as it targets this area in a really running specific-way. If this is a new exercise for you, make sure to focus on good form (check out the video) and start with just a few reps on each leg.

 

About Coach Carl
Coach Carl is a USA Track & Field Level 2 endurance coach who works with runners of all ability levels to reach their goals. He has been featured in Runner’s World, Women’s Health, Men’s Fitness, and Competitor. For information on his coaching services, click here.