Does Running Give You a Full Body Workout?

Running incorporates many different muscle groups.

Runners use many different muscles while running. This makes running an effective workout for the entire body. Besides the primary muscles used during running such as the quadriceps and the hamstrings, there are other supporting muscle groups that are used during the running process. Running is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise, because it involves the largest muscles in the body.

The Lower Body

The primary muscles used in running are in the legs. The quadriceps muscles are located in the front of the thigh and work to flex the hip and extend the knee. Hamstring muscles run down the back of the thigh and work to help the knee joint flex. The gluteus maximus is found in the buttocks and is the largest muscle group. The gluteus maximus extends the hip and helps the runner stand erect.

The Upper Body

The upper body is also involved during the running process. The biceps muscle is found in the upper part of the arm. The biceps helps the runner's elbow flex and helps the arm rotate. Runners usually keep their elbows bent while running, using the biceps muscles.

The Core Muscles

Core muscles, or the abdominal muscles, are used to maintain good posture while running and help maximize athletic performance. The upper and lower abdominal muscles stabilize the spine and prevent rotation of the spine while running.

References

• Spry Feet: Muscles Used When Running
• Body Building: Which Cardio Methods Melt Fat The Fastest?