“Whether you are a couch-to-5k, a jog around the park runner or a marathoner, there are some simple exercises that you can do daily to help your technique and prevent injury,” explains Amy Kellow, second-generation pilates master trainer.

She asks us to imagine that we’re are enjoying a weekly run and our legs begin to feel tired, our hips feel tight or our knees start to niggle. “Now imagine lifting the load up into your core and keeping the energy in your centre when you run. You will have lighter legs, a move-efficient running gait and over time, fewer injuries.” Now that’s music to any runners’ ears!

The aim of running-focused core work is to increase the stability in those core muscles and the flexibility in the hips. But how often should we be honing that core strength? Martin says that that core work can be done as a standalone activity (for example, 40 minutes of focussed core conditioning a couple of times a week) or as a snappier 10-minute maintenance or HIT session three to four times a week after a run.

“If you have a noticeably weak core, then spend more time on it,” he advises. “If you break down or keep getting injured, spend more time on the core. These routines can be enhanced with a wearable, such as the Garmin Venu which comes with built-in strength and cardio apps to monitor your progress. The Garmin Venu also has the ability to create your own workouts and on-screen animated workouts to make sure your core is never neglected.”

OK so, depending on your schedule, you want to be getting in around 40-minutes of core a week – either split up or all together. Don’t forget that the SWTC workout videos and training plans include lots of core-loving moves to help clock up those minutes!

Running exercises: 5 core moves every runner needs to do on rest days