231. Dr. Victoria Sekely on Bodyweight Strength Training, Progression, Best Exercises, and More

You may recognize this week’s guest: Dr. Victoria Sekely is a running coach, certified strength and conditioning specialist, and doctor of physical therapy who joined me on episode 135.

Victoria was a varsity tennis player at Georgetown University before getting her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from NYU. As a runner herself, she knows that we want to spend our time on the roads and trails rather than in the gym. But her experience as a physical therapist has taught her the enormous value of building and maintaining a strength training habit, even for as little as 20 minutes, twice each week.

Victoria emphasizes how strength training teaches us something we rarely think about as a runner: control. Rather than trying to force changes to our running form, strength training gives us an opportunity to slow down, pay attention, and be more mindful of how our bodies are moving. With consistency, that can translate into more efficient, stronger running.

We discuss the ins and outs of bodyweight training and how it can help every runner, including:

• The best time to start strength training and how to fit it into your schedule
• The relationship between rehab and prehab
• How to make your bodyweight routine progressive
• Why bodyweight exercises make you a better athlete
• The physical benefits of training mindfully 
• Victoria’s top five exercises to build functional strength

Victoria's knowledge and humor make for an engaging and informative discussion!

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