When I'm marathon training, my schedule revolves around logging miles. Between work, relationships, and hitting the pavement for my training runs, finding time for strength training feels impossible. However, avoiding my dumbbells is a costly mistake: Without complementary strength work, runners often develop muscle imbalances that can lead to injury. So, what I needed was an efficient (read: quick) routine that specifically targets the major muscle groups important for running performance. And that's exactly what I'm sharing with you today.
Before we dive in, allow me to (yet again) preach the beauty and utility of adjustable dumbbells: no gym membership required, no waiting for equipment, and no excuses about not having enough space. I can knock out this workout in my living room before my morning run, or squeeze it in during lunch breaks, and adjustable dumbbells mean I can switch up the amount of weight I'm lifting within a few seconds. As you'll see in the photos below, for this workout I've been sticking to my extremely lightweight Merach adjustable dumbbells, but when I need to go beyond 10 pounds, I prefer my Nüobells. Let's get started.
Merach Adjustable Dumbbells, 2.2–8.8 lbs $50.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $50.99 at Amazon Nüobell Adjustable Dumbbells, 5–80 lbs $785.00 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $785.00 at Amazon SEE -1 MOREIt tracks that common weaknesses in runners include underdeveloped glutes, tight hip flexors, weak posterior chains, and poor core stability. This routine specifically addresses these issues while building the power and stability that should hopefully translate to faster, more efficient running.
My 15-minute full-body strength training routine
This circuit-style workout alternates between upper and lower body exercises, keeping your heart rate elevated while allowing different muscle groups to recover. Perform each exercise for 45 seconds, followed by 15 seconds of rest to transition to the next movement. I do three rounds, five minutes each. Easy as pie. Here are the movements you need to know.
Goblet squats
Stay tall with your chest upright, weight held close to your ribs, and chin tucked into your chest. Credit: Meredith DietzThis exercise is gold for runners because it strengthens the glutes, quads, and core simultaneously while improving ankle mobility. Strong glutes are crucial for preventing knee injuries and maintaining proper hip alignment during long runs. The goblet position also forces you to maintain an upright torso, mimicking the posture you want while running.
Push-press
Pay special attention to the explosive overhead movement. Credit: Meredith DietzThis exercise develops power in your shoulders and core while teaching you to transfer force from your lower body through your torso—exactly what happens when you drive your arms during sprint intervals or hill climbs. The explosive nature mirrors the quick, powerful arm swing that propels you (assuming you're practicing proper running form).
Romanian deadlifts
Go as far down as you can comfortably go while pushing the hips back. Credit: Meredith DietzThis movement is essential for runners because it strengthens the entire posterior chain—glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. These muscles provide the power for each stride and help prevent the forward lean that can develop from too much running without adequate strength work. Strong hamstrings also help decelerate your leg at the end of each stride, reducing impact stress.
Bent-over rows
Hinge forward at your hips, keeping your back straight. Credit: Meredith Dietz Keep your back straight and elbows close to your body. Credit: Meredith DietzThis exercise counteracts that tendency by strengthening the rhomboids, middle traps, and rear delts. Better posture means more efficient breathing and less energy wasted fighting against poor alignment during long runs.
Reverse lunges
Let your back knee kiss the floor under you. Credit: Meredith DietzThis move targets the glutes and quads in a way that closely mimics the landing and push-off phases of your running stride. The reverse motion is easier on the knees than forward lunges, making it perfect for runners who already put significant stress on these joints. To avoid stressing your knees, make sure you're really pushing through your heel, and keep your hips in line with your shoulders.
Make your at-home dumbbell workout work for you
The timing of this workout matters, with the understanding that the best workout for you is the one you actually will do consistently. I've found three approaches that work well with running schedules. On easy run days, I'll do the strength circuit first as a dynamic warm-up, using lighter weights and focusing on movement quality. After hard running workouts, I'll wait at least four hours before lifting to avoid compromising recovery. On rest days from running, this becomes my primary workout, allowing me to use heavier weights and really focus on strength gains.
Whatever moves you choose, finding a quick circuit workout for you can truly pay dividends in running performance and injury prevention. Fifteen minutes, three times per week is a small price for becoming a stronger, more resilient runner.
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