If you’re like me, you love running. Possibly to the point that it’s the only exercise you do. But there are other exercises that can actually give your running a boost. Today, I wanted to share some cross-training exercises that will give your feet a rest, while improving the sport you love the most!
Cycling – Biking is an excellent way to cross-train without over-exerting your legs and feet. This low-impact exercise will burn calories, lift mental fog, and (most importantly) build healthy quadriceps and hamstrings. These upper leg muscles are extremely important for runners as they are responsible for hip and knee movement.
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I love all of these! I'm lucky because my parents are up the street and they have a pool and an elliptical machine. I really only use that for fun though – love to use it backwards for some reason. I don't think I'd enjoy running nearly as much if I didn't nearly always follow it up with yoga!
So glad you stopped by, KZ. I like how you take advantage of all that's around you. Yoga is something I haven't tried yet, but must! I wish I had access to a pool. I think it's extremely therapeutic for a runner's legs. There really are many ways we can cross-train. I just recently bought a bike and have started making that a twice-a-week thing. I really appreciate your feedback. Don't be a stranger!
These are all great! I wish I had a pool nearby=) I'm a huge yoga fanatic and usually take Anusara classes, which focus on strengthening, stretching (lots of hip openers – incredibly helpful for runners), as well as endurance and discipline (holding longer poses). I've also recently started CrossFit, which has been incredible. I run alone, so doing CrossFit twice a week helps keep me motivated to run the other three. Thanks for the tips!
~Bre
http://bumpandrunchat.com
Thanks for stopping by, Bre. You're absolutely right; CrossFit is another excellent way to train on "off-days" and I have many friends who do it. I appreciate your input and I can't wait to check out your site. Looks like you have a lot of useful tips on there! 🙂
Since my main "sport" is triathlon, I obviously bike and swim. During the triathlon season I run 2 days, bike 2 days, and swim 2 days. Now that it's the off season I am running 2 days, going to spin class 2 days, and going to strength/abs class 1-2 times per week. I am going to drop a spin class and start going to Yoga once per week in December.
I think tri is the way to go. Plenty of "all-around" exercise. I admire your dedication to switching up workouts. I recently got a bike, so now it's time to find a pool… Hah, we'll see. But, I'd love to take on a triathlon one day!
I have to switch up my workouts or I think I'd get burned out and bored. I've also struggled with ITBS and some patellofemoral tracking issues this past year and learned the hard way that running more than 3 days per week causes serious pain and set backs.
If you really want to try a triathlon I'd recommend checking around locally to see if any races offer a "Try a Tri". There's one in Buffalo, NY; 200 yds. swim, 8 mile bike and 2 mile run.
Or you could always do a sprint distance too! I hope you do a triathlon, they're so much fun (and addicting!)