Another solid exercise I commonly give to runners is the sidestepping exercise using a theraband. The reason I like this exercise is that is does a great job of stengtheing the hip abductors. As I have previously mentioned in the clam video, having strong hips is vital for runners staying injury free. Consider that 50% of all running injuries occur at the knee. Common examples include IT band syndrome, and patellofemoral syndrome aka runner's knee. Both of these injuries have been shown to be associated with hip weakness. More specifically, both syndromes have been shown to be commonplace in runners that have weak hip abductors. When the abductors are weak, the knee tends to drift into adduction creating strain on the knee.
This exercse is performed in standing with a theraband around the ankles. Gently brace you ab muscles and pull right leg away from the left against the resistance of the band. The left leg follows making sure not to drag it or let them snap together. This is repeated multiple times after which the direction is changed. Initiate the movement from the power in the hips, not by sidebending the torso, or hiking the hip. Work the motion back and forth in a room to the point of fatigue.
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