A word about side planks... This is THE BEST Core Strength Exercise for Runners If you think crunches are a good way to build core strength, I urge you to reconsider. As a Physical Therapist and running coach, I’m often asked to recommend core strength exercises. While crunches can provide some benefit, there’s an exercise that’s far more valuable for runners: The Side Plank Why do side planks? Side planks develop the outside of your core, which is usually neglected. The outside of your core als