When we think about running strength, we often picture strong legs, a solid core, and good cardio endurance. But there’s one muscle group that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in the running world: the pelvic floor.
Recently on The Brunch Running Podcast, I sat down with Wendy Puckett, founder of Ballzy and longtime runner, coach, and fitness professional, to unpack why this often-overlooked area is essential for runners of all levels.
What Is the Pelvic Floor, Anyway?
At its simplest, the pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bladder, bowels, and reproductive organs. But for runners, it’s much more than that—it’s a key player in stability, balance, and efficiency. A strong, well-functioning pelvic floor can make you feel lighter on your feet, reduce your risk of injury, and even improve your breathing mechanics.
Why Runners Should Care
Many runners—men and women—don’t realize their pelvic floor could be impacting their performance. From bladder control issues to nagging back pain or a feeling of heaviness in your legs, these subtle signals may all tie back to pelvic floor health.
Wendy shares how addressing this area can:
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Improve your running posture and efficiency
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Reduce discomfort during long runs
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Help you connect more deeply to your core strength
Practical Takeaways
The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your training plan to start improving your pelvic floor health. Wendy walks us through easy, approachable steps runners can take to begin building awareness and strength right away—without adding hours to your routine.
👉 Want to learn the simple exercises Wendy recommends, plus how her own running journey inspired her to launch Ballzy?
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Tune into The Brunch Running Podcast to hear my full conversation with Wendy Puckett. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of your body, practical tools to add into your training, and maybe even a new perspective on what makes you a stronger runner.