The mental and physical benefits of running are endless. That endorphin rush we all know and love is known to increase feelings of wellness, happiness and well-being and help to decrease pain signals within the body.

But if you love running just as much as Laura, you need to make sure you’re incorporating strength and resistance sessions into your routine. Strength training is a fantastic way to support your high-intensity days.

So our co-founder, CEO and Treadmill queen has teamed up with Kic’s Head Trainer, Danny Kennedy to give us the 411 when it comes to balancing running and strength workouts.

Laura: As many of you would know, running plays such a big role in my weekly routine. Not only does it make me feel incredibly empowered, but it also helps me to clear my mind. In my eyes, there’s nothing better than that post run high.

But my great friend and Head Trainer at Kic, Danny, is constantly reminding me about the importance of mixing up my routine with strength training!

Danny: Strength sessions not only do wonders for our mindset in helping us feel strong, empowered and motivated, but they are also essential in supporting muscle development for when we’re ready to go for a run or do a HIIT workout.

Strength training is really effective and essential when it comes to adding lean muscle tissue and improving or maintaining our posture. They are less stressful on our cardiovascular systems, but when you’re training with resistance it strengthens the muscles, bones and joints that you need to feel (and perform) at your best and decrease risk of injury.

If HIIT sessions or running isn’t supported by supplementary-based workouts in between, you increase your chance of injury and will see diminishing returns on your performance across the span of the week.

Laura: So, with all of that in mind, while I’m training for my FIRST half-marathon with KICRUN Club, I’ve been weaving in some strength and Pilates masterclasses to help strengthen my muscles. I do love getting a sweat on – I love running and HIIT style workouts, but that’s just a personal preference, but I try to make sure I support my body in the best way possible, with strength and rest days!