Improve your running with this workout

Taken up running for 2016? Power up your legs and get your core strong to improve your running with this workout.

The best way to get better at running is not to simply run more. It’s to do strength training, too. As well as getting your body stronger for your runs, strength workouts are important to ward off pesky running injuries.

Try these five easy moves – using just a kettlebell and barbell – in one workout, alternating a minute of each move followed by 30 seconds rest. Repeat the circuit for a total of 30 minutes.

Squat jump

With feet hip-width, squat down keeping your chest up and knees in line with the toes. Keep your heels planted and bottom moving down and behind you.

When thighs are parallel to the floor or a little lower, jump up as high as you can.

Land and repeat.

2-point box

With hands and knees on the floor directly under your shoulders and hips, keep a natural arch in your back and your core engaged.

Take your left hand and right leg off the floor and extend them away from your body.

Hold for the full 30 seconds, and alternate sides for each set.

Kettlebell swing

With feet shoulder-width apart, hold a kettlebell with both hands.

Allow the kettlebell to swing back through your legs slightly to create momentum, keeping your back flat as you do so.

As the kettlebell starts to swing forwards, create even more momentum by engaging your glutes and extending your hips and knees, swinging the kettlebell forwards until it reaches head-height.

Allow it to swing back through your legs to go straight into another rep.

Plank shoulder tap

Start in a high plank (like a starting press-up position) with your core strong and body and neck straight.

Without shifting your hips to the side, tap your left shoulder with your right hand.

Bring it back to the start and repeat with your right hand to your left shoulder.

Keep alternating sides for the 30 seconds.

Clean

Holding a barbell with both hands, lower it slightly to the floor in a deadlift motion, keeping your back straight.

Extend your hips and knees and come up onto your toes to create momentum as you row the barbell up to chin height, keeping the barbell close to your body.

As it reaches the top of the motion, dip your body and rotate your elbows under the bar, bringing them as high as possible.

Stand up straight, reverse the motion and repeat.