Should You Prioritize Ab Workouts Before or After Running?

1. Enhanced Core Activation
   Performing ab workouts before running can activate and engage your core muscles effectively. A strong core helps stabilize your body during the running motion, improving your overall form and reducing the risk of injury. By engaging your abs first, you ensure that your core is primed and ready for the demands of running.
2. Increased Energy Levels
   Starting your workout with ab exercises can boost your energy levels. These exercises tend to be shorter in duration and require less overall effort compared to a full-blown running session. By warming up your core, you prepare your body for the more intense cardiovascular activity that follows. This approach can help prevent fatigue during your run and allow you to maintain good running form.
3. Mental Focus
   Beginning your workout with ab exercises can help you establish mental focus. This can be particularly beneficial if you struggle with staying motivated or find it challenging to maintain mental clarity during workouts. Core exercises often require concentration and precision, which can help you enter a focused state of mind before transitioning into running.

1. Preserve Energy for Running
   Some argue that reserving energy for running is a more practical approach. Running is an endurance-based activity that demands considerable cardiovascular effort. By saving energy for the run, you can perform at your best and push yourself further. This is especially important if your primary goal is to improve running performance or increase endurance.
2. Avoid Fatigue and Injury
   Running places significant stress on your legs, hips, and lower body. Doing ab workouts after running can prevent pre-fatiguing your core muscles, allowing you to maintain good running form throughout your session. Fatigued core muscles can negatively impact your running posture, leading to a compromised stride and an increased risk of injury.
3. Cool Down and Recovery
   Performing ab exercises after running can act as a cool-down activity. As you shift from a high-intensity running session to a more targeted core workout, you allow your heart rate to decrease gradually. This approach aids in a smoother transition from exertion to relaxation. Focusing on your core post-run can also help reduce muscle soreness and aid recovery.