The Best Strength Training Equipment for Runners (with Video)

If you’ve been following along with any of my content for the past few years, you know that I’m a big believer in the benefits of strength training for runners.

More and more, it seems that runners are starting to come around to the idea of regular strength training, which is a good thing.

Yet many runners are still struggling with understanding what an effective strength training routine consists of, which is why I’ve done several videos in the past year demonstrating simple and effective routines designed specifically for runners.

One of the common threads in most of those videos from the past is that each of the exercises involves virtually no exercise equipment.

And that’s by design.

You do not need to to join a gym or buy any fancy strength training equipment for runners in order to get a challenging, effective, and beneficial workout.

That said…

Body Weight Training Can Get a Bit Boring

You can combine the dozens of the equipment free strength training exercises that I’ve talked about before in an infinite amount of ways in order to keep your workouts from getting boring.

Shoot, I mix up the routine for almost every workout, just because I hate doing the same exercises ad nauseam.

Yet even with all of the possibilities that exist, you can get even more variety if you add just one or two pieces of equipment to the mix.

The 4 Best Pieces of Strength Training Equipment for Runners

Best Strength Training Equipment for Runners

• Physio Ball: Whether you call it an exercise ball, stability ball, physio ball–it’s the same thing! A stability ball is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment out there. Many people think that you basically just work your core with a physio ball, but you can get a GREAT total body workout using this simple piece of equipment. Shoot, just sitting on a ball at your desk is great for helping to strengthen your stabilizers! (Full disclosure, I’ve recorded 100% of my podcast episodes while sitting on a physio ball!)
• Resistance Bands: Resistance bands come in a variety of styles (and also have a few different names) and have just as much versatility in terms of function as an exercise ball does. I’d challenge you to come up with a body part that can’t be targeted using a band, it’s virtually impossible! Pick up a couple of different resistances, and you can easily create a great runner specific exercise routine.
• Free Weights: If you want to up the intensity a little bit, adding a few free weights to the mix is a great idea. My personal recommendation is to get 2-4 weights (kettle bells or dumbbells, your choice) that is EACH a different weight. That way you can get several weights for the same price as 1-2 sets of weights, which will allow you more flexibility. And if you have to do one arm and then the other when it comes to biceps curls, that’s ok.
• TRX Suspension Trainer: And then for the creme de la creme of exercise equipment for runners. Suspension training can seem a little overwhelming at first, but the workout is INTENSE to say the least! The TRX gives you a nearly infinite way to use your body weight to work every area of your body, and is a great way to overcome the many deficiencies that distance running creates. The TRX is the most expensive option listed here (~$175), but it is worth every penny if you’re going to commit to using it on a regular basis.

At the end of the day, you don’t NEED any of these options to incorporate strength training into your routine.

But if you want even more options, these are by far the best pieces of equipment for runners on the market.

If you have any questions about any of the options I’ve discussed on this page, please let me know!

***Product links on this page ARE Amazon Affiliate links, meaning that if you click the link and make a purchase I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.***

What Are Your Go To Strength Training Exercises/Pieces of Equipment?