© Getty ImagesPut simply, good core stability is one of the most effective ways to prevent injuries and improve running efficiency. The groups of muscles that make up your core section provide essential support so strengthening your core should form

, then they are unable to provide a solid foundation for the legs to work off. (This means a lack of stability, increased strain on the joints and muscles of the lower extremities, and a higher risk of injury.) The core also has an effect on the movement of the leg

movement patterns that allow the muscles of the legs and core to work together. You should perform the exercises below two or three times a week, either on a day that you are not running, or after you have run. The following exercise series is recommended

," explains marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe. You simply can't run your best without a strong core: the muscles in your abdominals, lower back and glutes. They provide the stability, power and endurance that runners need for powering up hills

stress on your hips, knees and shins.5. Lateral MovementWhenever you have to suddenly move to the side – to turn the corner on a track, dodge a pothole or navigate undulating terrain – the obliques provide stability and help keep you upright. If your core

," explains marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe. You simply can't run your best without a strong core: the muscles in your abdominals, lower back and glutes. They provide the stability, power and endurance that runners need for powering up hills

to work simultaneously to perform a single move. "The bands work on synchronising the lower and upper body, which helps provide core stability, balance and muscular power – all things that can improve a runner's performance," says Sheehan.Getting Started

you do just that. This workout is designed to:Mobilise the thoracic spine (upper back), which is key for swimming and running.Fire up the core through the active plank position to replicate the bodies position during the swim.Fire up the glutes - often

Weight 366gEvaluation The new Stabil has lost some weight. That’s in order to better distinguish itself from Saucony’s other £75 motion control shoe, the heavier-duty GRID Hammer. While Saucony pitches the Stabil at moderate to severe overpronators

introduced the Durham into the UK, a shoe that has been a US favourite for a year. There’s absolutely nothing fancy about it, as befits a shoe in Nike’s core Bowerman range; it’s simply designed to provide maximum stability with ample cushioning. (It also has