As good as running is for running, and if you want to get better at running you do need to run, sometimes your body needs a break! This doesn’t mean you can’t do anything–just do something different to work some other muscle groups. This is where cross training comes into play, and it can help you build some muscle, burn some calories, and get that blood flowing without necessarily punishing all the usual muscles that take the workload of your running regimin.
I try and do at least 2-3 forms of cross-training throughout the week on days where my running schedule calls for a lighter load. Cross training is also good on days when you’re just not feeling like running but you still want to get in some sort of workout. Mixing up your routine with some other forms of excercise can just make your routine more enjoyable too.
Some examples of various cross-training activity that I regularly or occasionally include into my routine are:
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Spinning
- Rock climbing and/or bouldering
- core work
- cross-country skiing
- basketball
- pushups
- light weightlifting
- stretching
- circuit training
- jumping rope
Recent Comments