Embracing the running boom isn’t always about marathons and races, as Tone House is proving.
The New York City-based boutique fitness studio has launched a running-specific strength training program, with workouts built to support runners of all abilities.
While the program maintains Tone House’s trademark team-based circuit-style strength classes, the workouts are made to help runners build the foundational strength needed to support training.
“At Tone House, we’ve always focused on building stronger, more durable athletes, so creating a runners-specific strength program was a natural fit,” Tone House president James McMillian told Athletech News. “The goal is to help runners stay healthy, move better and perform at a higher level.”
Twice a week — Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons — members, runners and the running-curious can stop into the NoMad studio for the 50 to 60-minute class focused on core and lower-body movements, many of which are single-leg exercises that meet the explosive unilateral demands of running.
McMillian explained that Tone House’s head coach, Josephine Kelly, realized during her own marathon training that many runners aren’t aware of the benefits of strength training in their routines. Since launching the program at the end of February, he’s said the studio has received extremely positive feedback.
“A lot of runners are realizing quickly that strength training fills the gaps that mileage alone can’t. We’re hearing from people who feel more stable, powerful and confident in their running, especially when it comes to avoiding injuries,” he explained.
“That is a major focus — injury prevention,” McMillian added. “What’s been great to see is that once runners experience the difference, they start to understand that strength work isn’t extra; it’s fully necessary if you want longevity in the sport.”
Moving forward, he said the brand plans to ingratiate itself further in the running community, including collaborating with running brands, hosting strength sessions around major races and plans to launch a Tone House run club this spring.
“Our focus is on becoming a place where runners know they can come to get stronger and stay in the sport longer,” he said.
Thinking even bigger, McMillian revealed a plan to build out structured strength programs specifically for runners at varying levels, from first-time race participants to seasoned marathoners. On top of that, he aspires for workshops, education sessions and community events that inform runners about the importance of strength training, and how to do it correctly.
“Long term, the vision is for Tone House to be known as a performance hub where runners can come not just to train, but to learn how to take care of their bodies and improve their results,” he said.
Tone House is among a select few boutique fitness studios offering running-specific strength classes.
Session, a strength-focused club in NYC, includes a “Run Lab” class in its lineup, which includes strength, mobility and plyometrics made for runners. On the West Coast, local Bay Area brand Purple Patch Fitness — which caters to endurance athletes like runners and triathletes — provides a strength program specifically designed to improve running performance and injury risk.
