Situps or pushups

[The Donald]

I am just wondering, given the choice between the two; which exercise is more beneficial for a distance runner?

[Jwolf]

Push-ups for sure. They work the core and the arms and back all in one exercise.

Most trainers are now saying to not do the old-style crunches, but there are other good core exercises you can do on your back too.

[ian]

Interesting question, but probably without an answer that can be applied to all distance runners. For instance, while I mostly agree with Jenn's points, there's also:
(1) the possibility of gaining muscle mass from the pushups, which would work against distance running
(2) the ability of situps or crunches to dynamically stabilize the lower abdominals and hip flexors in a way that improves posture and increases cadence
Minor effects, to be sure, but I think the takeaway is that the type of core work that a runner undertakes has as much to do with non-running objectives than with optimizing running. For what it's worth, my routine is for five minutes, three mornings per week (usually non-running days), consisting of: (1) N pushups, (2) N 10 pound dumbbell rows (each side, torso horizontal), (3) N dumbbell bicep curls each side, (4) 2*N crunches (feet hovering above ground, periodically alternating between straight and diagonal), with N between 25 and 40. I figure that I have about 2-4 pounds more muscle mass in my upper body than if I didn't do this.

[dgrant]

I would think that for distance running, the answer would be neither. Strong chest and triceps from pushups are not useful for running (and may detract due to added weight). For strengthening core, an isometric exercise like planks would be more appropriate for the demands of running, without the risk of injury associated with situps.

Of course optimal distance running and optimal fitness are not the same thing...

[MINITEE]

I would think that for distance running, the answer would be neither. Strong chest and triceps from pushups are not useful for running (and may detract due to added weight). For strengthening core, an isometric exercise like planks would be more appropriate for the demands of running, without the risk of injury associated with situps.

Of course optimal distance running and optimal fitness are not the same thing...

ding, ding, ding... and the prize goes to Dave...

[The Donald]

Thanks, gives me a lot to think about. Especially, Mr. Grant's last statement as I also play softball which may make me think about the optimal fitness part.

[MichaelMc]

I'm going to go against the grain here: bicycle crunch (somewhat situp-like).

http://www.acefitness.org/pressroom/246 ... red-study/

Having said that, I do pushups and chin ups on alternate days and abs daily: easy to "superset".

If you're doing a lot of running you aren't likely to add too much muscle bulk regardless what your do.

[Engmomma]

I found that when I did more overall fitness training (interval training) I ran faster an less injured.