Strenghening arms when running: Hi All, I'm on W... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

133,844 members159,289 posts

Strenghening arms when running

Trawa profile image
14 Replies

Hi All, I'm on W7R2 of this amazing programme! For the first time in my life I found exercise doable and such a fun! I can feel my legs building fab muscles from running but my arms are still quite weak. Any tips to help with arms strength while running? Wearable weights or something? I have no clue.

Time is really tight as I work full time, study MSc part time and have 2 children under 6y. I know I won't find additional time and motivation outside the runs and gym is not an option for same reasons.

Written by
Trawa profile image
Trawa
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
14 Replies

Wrist weights might help.

Trawa profile image
Trawa in reply to

Have you used these on know anyone who did? What's the feedback?

in reply to Trawa

I use them sometimes along with ankle weights and they are good..

Wear them while you run and see how it goes.

Trawa profile image
Trawa in reply to

Oh thanks! :)

in reply to Trawa

Welcome! 😉👍

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Well done you! head across to the S and F forum for some excellent ideas and suggestions for strength and stamina work for some of your.... errr...rest days !

Trawa profile image
Trawa in reply to Oldfloss

What is S and F forum?

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Trawa

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Trawa profile image
Trawa in reply to Oldfloss

Thanks! Found it :)

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Core strength exercises are crucial for runners. Planks and bridges can not be done in no time at all, but just a couple of minutes each day can make all the difference.

Trawa profile image
Trawa in reply to IannodaTruffe

I may try different types of planks - they are simple whole body exercise (I used to do pilates regularly for years so know all the exercises). It's just hard to remember to fit in in the day when it's so full already and to decide which exercise would be challenging enough to meet my needs in the very short time.

Is there anything I can do when running? Would wearable weights help?

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate

Have a look at these nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/1...

You could do them individually as you wait for the kettle to boil, listen to children's stories, or get the kids to do them with you

Trawa profile image
Trawa in reply to Grannyhugs

Yes, these are ok but I feel they may not be challenging enough and will quickly loose interest and stop doing them. I probably need to confess that I'm quite strong already thanks to years of pilates and carrying children. But while running I feel my legs are getting excellent workout and arms 'staying behind' a bit :)

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate in reply to Trawa

Are you worrying too much? Relax and enjoy the running and your children. There is only so much all of us can pack into a day. Take care

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Aching arms

Does anyone have advice on why my arms start to ache about 2k into a run? The rest of me is fine!...

Tips for techniques with arms?!

I feel like this might be a really silly question/thought, but, while I’m running I always end up...

Arms.....arms?

So....I was chugging round as usual, and about 3k in, my arms just said they'd had enough. My......

What to do with my arms?

While running, my arms move by themselves, in time with the run. However, by the end of the 5...

walking or running ?

at the run for 28 mins stage now, week eight . My question is about what exactly constitutes...