Build Functional Power in the Gym for Runners
Real strength isn't about lifting for show. It is about building the engine that carries you through every mile, every race, and every life challenge. If you are ready to get to work, let's do it.
A montage of a typical strength session, including deadlifts, machine flyes, and push-ups. You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.
This video shows the variety in my training, from running and swimming to deadlifts in the gym. This is the definition of a hybrid athlete.
In the gym, surrounded by kettlebells. Power is given only to those who dare to lower themselves and pick it up. This is where we build that power.
Stretching after a tough workout. I may not have amazing victories every day, but I can surprise you with the defeats I came out of alive. Resilience is everything.
Lacing up my shoes before a strength session. My coach's advice is simple: don't listen to advice from people whose life you don't want to live. I live this.
About Building Power in the Gym
Most runners treat the gym as an afterthought, but your performance depends on what you do off the track. In my sessions, we do not just perform random reps. We focus on 'compromised running'—holding your pace immediately after heavy deadlifts or kettlebell work. This is the only way to build a body that stays injury-free and powerful when the miles pile up.
Why Runners Need Heavy Lifting
I hear it all the time: 'I don't want to get bulky.' Let me be clear—running is a high-impact sport, and if your joints and tendons aren't reinforced by strength training, you are one bad landing away from an injury. Building power in the gym is about functional resilience. It is about preparing your chassis for the demands of the road.
My Hybrid Approach
When we train at hubs like Breathe Studio in Khar or Wings Sports Centre in Bandra, we are not just moving weights. We are training for the 'hybrid' reality of events like Hyrox or just hitting your next marathon PB. Here is how I break it down:
- Deadlifts and Squats: We focus on raw functional power to correct muscle imbalances.
- Compromised Running Drills: We integrate high-intensity lifting with cardio intervals to teach your body to perform when your heart rate is red-lining.
- Erg Efficiency: We work on SkiErg and Rowing technique to maximize your power output without wasting energy.
The Process
Consistency is my only currency. Whether we are doing mobility work to open up those tight hips or technical skills to improve your sled push form, everything has a purpose. We train hard, we track progress, and we show up. If you are looking for easy shortcuts, this is not the place. If you are looking to become a more resilient athlete who can handle any terrain, then welcome to the 1%.
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