Cross-Training Ideas For Runners
- Date: 2010-08-29 - Word Count: 501
Share This!
For runners to make improvements and overcome training plateaus, it is a good idea to consider cross training. There are so many different workout options that it can be hard to choose one, but go for something that appeals to you. Some runners like to try Martial Arts Training to improve their flexibility. Military self defense styles can also build core strength which leads to more efficient running.
Runners cross-train in other sports and workout programs as a way to supplement what they are already doing. New runners and veteran runners can all benefit from a cross-training regimen. Cross-training offers several benefits including the following:
• Cross-training can help you develop muscles you don't typically use while you are running. At the same time you can give overused muscles a chance to rest and recover. Your inner thighs often are underdeveloped if the only exercise you get is running. Changing it up can help you improve balance across all muscle groups.
• You can change your routine without losing your overall fitness level. If you keep up with an aerobic routine you can continue to improve your cardiovascular fitness.
• Cross-training lessens your chances of getting injured. Most of the time injuries are the result of a weaker set of muscles. By using other muscle groups and balancing their strength across your entire body you will be less prone to running injuries and you can give your joints a break from the routine pounding they get while running.
• If you do the same thing all the time, chances are you will get bored. If you get bored, you might be more likely to stop exercising altogether, and that is never good. Cross-training can keep you from feeling burned out. Marathoners and other long-distance runners are especially susceptible to burnout.
• You can give running injuries a chance to heal. Because other forms of exercise work different sets of muscles and different joints, you can take time to let your running injuries without skipping out on exercise entirely.
Cross-Training Sports to Try:
Swimming: Swimming gives your leg muscles and joints time to relax. Because swimming is a no-impact sport it's good for letting old injuries heal completely. At the same time the water resistance allows you to continue to develop your body's overall strength and endurance. Because runners tend to overwork their legs and neglect their upper body, swimming is great for developing the muscles in the arms, back, and shoulders to balance out your body's strength. Swimming, like any sport, can be a form of therapy if you are able to get into your zone.
Cycling or Spinning: Whether you do outdoor cycling or ride a stationary bike, cycling is another low-impact cross-training option for runners. Cycling works to develop your quadriceps and glutes and can be done indoors or outdoors. Spin classes can be fun if you like exercising in a group atmosphere.
No matter which cross-training sport you decide to try, it is important to give your muscles and your mind a break from the normal running routine.
Runners cross-train in other sports and workout programs as a way to supplement what they are already doing. New runners and veteran runners can all benefit from a cross-training regimen. Cross-training offers several benefits including the following:
• Cross-training can help you develop muscles you don't typically use while you are running. At the same time you can give overused muscles a chance to rest and recover. Your inner thighs often are underdeveloped if the only exercise you get is running. Changing it up can help you improve balance across all muscle groups.
• You can change your routine without losing your overall fitness level. If you keep up with an aerobic routine you can continue to improve your cardiovascular fitness.
• Cross-training lessens your chances of getting injured. Most of the time injuries are the result of a weaker set of muscles. By using other muscle groups and balancing their strength across your entire body you will be less prone to running injuries and you can give your joints a break from the routine pounding they get while running.
• If you do the same thing all the time, chances are you will get bored. If you get bored, you might be more likely to stop exercising altogether, and that is never good. Cross-training can keep you from feeling burned out. Marathoners and other long-distance runners are especially susceptible to burnout.
• You can give running injuries a chance to heal. Because other forms of exercise work different sets of muscles and different joints, you can take time to let your running injuries without skipping out on exercise entirely.
Cross-Training Sports to Try:
Swimming: Swimming gives your leg muscles and joints time to relax. Because swimming is a no-impact sport it's good for letting old injuries heal completely. At the same time the water resistance allows you to continue to develop your body's overall strength and endurance. Because runners tend to overwork their legs and neglect their upper body, swimming is great for developing the muscles in the arms, back, and shoulders to balance out your body's strength. Swimming, like any sport, can be a form of therapy if you are able to get into your zone.
Cycling or Spinning: Whether you do outdoor cycling or ride a stationary bike, cycling is another low-impact cross-training option for runners. Cycling works to develop your quadriceps and glutes and can be done indoors or outdoors. Spin classes can be fun if you like exercising in a group atmosphere.
No matter which cross-training sport you decide to try, it is important to give your muscles and your mind a break from the normal running routine.
For more information about military self defense, please check out Martial Arts Training.n
n Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Canadiens Early Season Struggles
Inconsistency has reared its ugly head once again. After a shutout loss to the lowly New Jersey Devi - Mens Magazine in the Toronto Market
Magazines are wonderful things. They are able to explore their particular area of interest in more d - They Won the Lottery But Then Lost it All
We all dream about winning the lottery and every time we watch those balls spin we think about what - Manchester City Imploding
Life changed for Manchester City fans the minute their club was taken over by the ultra wealthy Oil - Different Types of Sports Water Bottle
If you are an athlete and there is a competition the next day, there are a lot of things to prepare. - Poker Supplies a Person Needs to Play
There are a lot of people all over the world that enjoy playing poker on a regular basis. There are - Data on NCAA Football 11 (XBox)
EA Sports has always been the pinnacle for sports video games. The Madden franchise for NFL football - World Golf Amateur Team Championship 2012
Golf is said to be the game of nobles. Over a period of time, the game has developed into a craze fo - Will "The Decision" Yield the Result? Lakers, Heat Seen as Likely Finalists
By far the biggest moment in the NBA offseason was the hour-long ESPN special in which LeBron James - The Evolution of the Game: Table Tennis
Table tennis was probably derived from the game "Royal Tennis," a popular diversion during medieval
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Rainbow, Brown And Brook Trout
Maine fishing has Rainbow, Brown, and Brook trout. Trout are an important part of fishing tradition. - Gymnastics Floor Music
Over the last decade or two, gymnastics as a sport has undergone considerable changes in the way it - Texas Holdem Blinds - Understanding Blinds In Texas Hold'em Poker
Posting blinds is a very important aspect of the betting structure of Texas Hold'em poker. It keeps - Indoor Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters exclusively provide assistance to physically disabled people, who don't necessaril - Texas Holdem Tournament - Learn How To Run A Texas Hold'em Tournament
Texas Hold'em is a popular game, so next time you consider hosting a social function at your house w - The Nfl Channel And The Controversy Surrounding It
If you watch TV, and especially if you are a loyal spectator of the NFL Channel, you might have hear - Texas Holdem - How To Become Better At Texas Hold'em Poker
If you know the rules, if you know the game, if you know the odds, chances are you'll do well at pok - Essential Boxing Equipment For Every Boxer
When you are training to become a boxer there are a few very important pieces of boxing equipment th - Some Advice On How To Stay Motivated To Run
Staying Motivated to Run Do you have a hard time staying motivated to run? There are a lot of thing - NCAA: Three Good Coaches
There are coaches in each and every type of sport out there, and many of them are good at what they