Muscles used in running vs walking

When you’re finishing an interval workout on the Peloton Tread, you may only be able to think about your pounding heart and your lungs gasping for air.

But the muscles you work while running need just as much of your attention.

Does running build muscle in arms

Running is undoubtedly an excellent aerobic workout, helping strengthen your heart muscle, improve your lung function, and increase circulation throughout your body. But it’s also a high-impact activity, taxing your muscles, ligaments, and tendons with each step.

“If you have a good understanding of how your body works during your running stride, you'll know exactly what to focus on when getting stronger,” says New York City-based physical therapist Victoria Sekely DPT, CSCS, the founder of Train Smart Run Strong.

“This will help reduce your risk of any injury and can even improve your performance.”

Whether you’re a casual jogger or a serious sprinter, here are the exact muscles to pay attention to—and how to care for them.

In short, yes.

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