Does running work your abs?

JessesGirl05
JessesGirl05 Posts: 253
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I ran laps around a baseball field today (Boyfriend says it wasn't a full size field, but I wouldn't know for sure) and already my entire midsection is so sore! Does running really work your abs?

(If the answer is YES, my reply is WHO KNEW?!?!!!!)

Replies

  • Aeliyah
    Aeliyah Posts: 247
    I haven't really looked into it, but I noticed that when I run / jog, my abs and sides are a little tender for a day or so. I consider it a good workout! :)
  • DangerRanger
    DangerRanger Posts: 327 Member
    yes...
  • wdwghettogirl
    wdwghettogirl Posts: 559 Member
    I would say yes, for sure! You hold your core tight as you run. After my 2nd 5K, I felt like I had done an ab work out. It's an awesome side benefit of running/jogging. :)
  • SandersWifey
    SandersWifey Posts: 387
    Bump!
    I want to know too. Mine always kill me after a run, but I've always wondered if it was actually an ab workout??
  • Angela4Health
    Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
    Running works your entire body! Now that's not to say that you're going to get a 6 pack from running, but yes, you do work your core along with all your other muscles!
  • Andee08
    Andee08 Posts: 147 Member
    YES YES YES....If you are running properly you are engaging your core.
  • mosneakers
    mosneakers Posts: 343 Member
    Next time you run, engage your core - wow!!! You'll know then for sure that your abs are working!
  • FatUncleRob
    FatUncleRob Posts: 341
    I'm no expert (definitely a newbie runner) - but I'd advise you to be careful!

    I over-did it with some running/jogging recently and have had some pretty serious abdominal/groin pains.

    Went to see my doctor. He checked for more serious problems (like a hernia) and then decided that I "just" pulled/strained a muscle.

    Not trying to scare you. Just saying - be careful and make sure you don't overdo it. Also make sure you get rest days in between your workouts.

    Good luck! :flowerforyou:
  • richiedbond
    richiedbond Posts: 58
    I really hope so...
  • bluemax87
    bluemax87 Posts: 71
    Abdominal muscles and core muscles are a little different, from my understanding of them. The abdominal muscles are the strength muscles that allow you to do movements like sit-ups. The core muscles are more akin to ligaments and/or stabilizer muscles (like when you bench press dumbbells instead of a barbell you can't do as much weight because it's workingthe stabilizers a lot more). When you perform any activity, you work your core muscles because they keep you upright. When you perform a vigorous activity like running, you strain your core muscles and your back muscles because your body is fighting to maintain its upright position due to the g-forces you're exerting in order to get propulsion (albeit a minimal amount). Your upper ab muscles specifically are almost never worked during running (to my knowledge) due to the fact that they are not stabilizing much of anything. Your obliques are worked a minimal amount due to maintaining your torso position left to right. Your lower abs are worked rigorously because they intertwine with your Quads. The middle section of your abs are worked a minimal amount due to assisting the core muscles.

    The pain you feel after running is most likely in the core muscles.
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    my $.02 - NO!

    I run 40 - 50+ miles per week and have a weak core/abs. My physical therapist wants me to be doing my abs (planks, etc.) on a daily basis.
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