Strength training exercises for runners have to include overhead kettlebell swings. By now you are probably familiar with kettlebells and understand that they are no joke when it comes down to getting a real workout. If you weren’t familiar with them then I wrote this article for you too to let you know that they are no joke when it comes down to getting you results!
So what are double arm overhead kettlebell swings? Well the base lift that is performed with the kettlebell is the double arm swing. This base lift only involves swinging the kettlebell like a pendulum from between your legs up to chest level. I am referring to a variation of this drill that is done by building enough momentum and hip drive to elevate the bell all the way up to above your head. To perform the overhead swing you must implement a technique in kettlebell training known as the hip snap. The hip snap is a movement that is done by flexing and extending at both your hips and knees in order to build the necessary momentum to swing the weight above your head. This is a great strength endurance workout for runners to implement in order to drastically improve the power and strength of their running ability. This is a great strength exercise for your arms, shoulders, hips, knees, back, glutes, and hamstrings! The secret behind training with kettlebells is that it is movement based. By training with this device you can manipulate bodily movements instead of isolating specific body parts. This is why this style of lifting translates so well over into the runner’s program.
If you haven’t taken the time to learn about kettlebell training and the double arm overhead swing then I want to challenge you to access the rest of my articles on the matter. Remember that anyone can train hard, but only champions train smart!