If you’re serious about taking your running game to the next level and reducing your risk of injuries, then listen up, because I’ve got some exciting news for you. It’s time to bring deadlifts into the spotlight and make them your new best friend on the road or trail!
Now, you might be thinking, “Wait a minute, isn’t running all about endurance? Why would I need to bother with body strength?” Well, my friend, let me tell you something: that’s a common misconception, and it’s time to set the record straight. Strength training is an absolute game-changer for runners, and one exercise in particular stands tall among the rest—yes, you guessed it—the deadlift!
But hold on, don’t roll your eyes just yet! I promise you, this is not your typical boring workout routine. Deadlifts are like a secret weapon for runners, providing a whole range of benefits that can supercharge your performance. They’re not only runner-friendly but also downright awesome for building strength and resilience. Trust me, once you discover the power of deadlifts, you’ll wonder how you ever ran without them.
In this article, I’m going to spill the beans and share with you why deadlifting is an absolute must for runners. I’ll also let you in on a few of the most efficient deadlift variations that you can seamlessly integrate into your cross-training routine. So, lace up your shoes, grab a water bottle, and let’s dive into the world of deadlifts together!
Ready? Let’s hit the ground running, quite literally, and uncover the secrets behind this extraordinary exercise. Buckle up, because it’s about to get exciting!
Are Deadlifts Good for Runners
Let’s talk science for a moment. The deadlift is not just any exercise—it’s a compound movement that targets a wide range of major muscles in your body. We’re talking about the ones that truly matter for us runners, like the powerful back muscles, glutes, and hamstrings.
These muscle groups are the driving force behind our forward propulsion, and they hold the key to unlocking our speed and stability while pounding the pavement or conquering the trails.
Now, you might be wondering, “How exactly do I nail the deadlift technique?” Fear not, my friend, for I’ve got your back. There’s a treasure trove of deadlift variations out there, just waiting for you to discover them and add them to your cross-training routine. But here’s the catch: you’ve got to do them right. We don’t want any unnecessary injuries derailing your running dreams, do we? Proper form is crucial, so take the time to learn and master the technique.
But hey, don’t fret over which variation is the “best” one for you. The beauty of deadlifts lies in their versatility. Choose the variation(s) that resonate with you the most, considering factors like personal preference, injury history, and your specific training goals. It’s like crafting your own unique path to greatness, tailor-made for your individual needs.
Now, I know you might be thinking, “Hey, can you back up these claims with some evidence?” Absolutely! Let me unleash the power of research and share a few pearls of wisdom with you. Numerous studies and research papers have highlighted the remarkable benefits of deadlifts for runners. They not only enhance overall strength but also contribute to improved running economy and injury prevention. It’s like giving your body an upgrade, boosting your performance, and safeguarding you from potential setbacks. Talk about a win-win situation!
Beginners Start Slooooow
Beginners, start with a relatively lightweight and focus on proper form.
So if you are a beginner, start with relatively lightweight (a 40-pound loaded bar, for instance) and focus on your technique.
Ego won’t work here, make sure to make form a priority.
Here are six deadlift variations to try, whether you’re seeking to improve your strength, speed, power or endurance
1. Conventional Deadlift
This is the classic form of a deadlift and the foundation of all other variations.
Get this one right, and the other versions will come in handy.
There is a lot to cover here, so please hang with me here.
Proper Form
Stand tall, feet a bit wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointing straight ahead or slightly outward.
Line up the balls of your feet under the bar.
Then, hinge from the hips, bend your knees, then grip the barbell with shoulder width or slightly wider with an overhand grip.
This is your starting position.
Be kind to your spine.
Always protect your spine by activating your core.
I’m talking about your abdominal muscles here.
If you feel somehow painful in your lower back, drop it down, activate more.
Next, raise the weight up by extending your hips and.
Remember to contract your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calf muscles while keeping the weight close to your body head up, chests out, back flat, and knees pointed in the same direction throughout the movement.
Hold for a moment, then slowly bring the weight down to the floor by bending your hips and knees.
2. Sumo Deadlift
The sumo deadlift is the wider stance version of a deadlift, and it focuses primarily on the quadriceps, the inner thighs, and glutes.
The move can also help you improve your range of motion (especially within your hip flexors) needed for lifting heavier weights without injury.
Proper Form
Start by standing tall, feet twice shoulder-width apart, toes pointing out at an angle, chest up, again core should be activated.
Next, while keeping your back flat, bend your knees, hold the bar and lift it up by pressing through your heels and thrusting your hips forward.
Stand all the way up, pause, then slowly lower it to starting position and repeat.
3. Romanian Deadlift
The Romanian Deadlift is a fantastic variation for the hamstrings, an important running muscles.
Feel free to perform it by either using a loaded barbell or with dumbbells.
Proper Form
Begin by standing with shoulder width or a narrower stance—depending on your own personal preference.
Grab the bar from the floor with shoulder width to wide overhead grip and keep looking straight ahead as you lift the weight up.
Next, while keeping your arms straight and knees slightly bent, slowly bend at your hip joint and lower the loaded barbell as far as you can without rounding your back.
Make sure to extend your hips forward until you starting feeling a good stretch in the back of your thighs.
Bend down as far as your flexibility allows, but don’t force it; otherwise, expect trouble.
Once you reach the bottom portion, pause, then pull the weight back up to starting position and repeat.
Make sure to squeeze your hamstrings and core muscles at the top of the motion.
4. Trap Bar Deadlift
Trap Bar version is back friendliest deadlift-.
No room for injury to stop you.
This variation helps you cut injury risk while upping your ability to lift heavier loads.
Proper Form
Stand in the center of the trap bar, bend your hips and knees, then lower down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
Next, while keeping your back straight and core engaged, grab hold of the bar’s handles using a neutral grip, then lift it up by thrusting your hips forward, pause, then slowly return to the starting position.
5. Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift
The Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift focuses on the inner thighs and lower back muscles.
It also improves balance, strength, coordination in the entire lower body.
Proper Form
Assume a wider stance, your toes pointing outwards, core engaged, and back flat.
Next, while bending at the hips, grasp a kettlebell of challenging weight with both hands, then lift up off the ground by extending your knees and hips.
Then, stand tall with chest out, head held high, and core engaged.
Lift the kettlebell off the floor by extending your hips and knees.
Make sure to stand tall, with chest out, core engaged, and back straight.
Pause, breathe, then lower to starting position.
Additional resource – Single leg bridge for runners
6. Single-Leg Deadlift
The Single-Leg Deadlift works the glutes like nothing else.
The glutes are the central power of your running stride, and essential for keeping stability throughout your gait.
Make sure to build the proper form first before do it with single leg.
I’d suggest that you perform this variation with a kettlebell as it’s more convenient, but feel free to use other tools.
Proper Form
Hold a 15 to 20-pound kettlebell in your right hand, and lift your left foot slightly off the ground.
Next, while activating your core and keeping your back straight, lean your entire torso forward and lower the weight toward the floor by bending at the hip and extending the left leg behind.
Hold for a count of three, then press back up to starting position.
Super worth a try, right?
For a stable posture during your running schedule. Deadlift not as scary as the name, though.
What are you waiting for?