Runner's Quick Guide to Cross-training

Cross-training is essential for runner's to avoid injuries. This Runner's Quick Guide to Cross-training explains why it is necessary. It is also a resource for different cross-training activities and the benefits you will get by doing them. 

Every great runner will concur that cross-training is the best way to maintain absolute fitness for an athlete. When preparing for a marathon or even a shorter race, it is vital to incorporate cross-training at least once or twice a week. The results are always exemplary and you will be less likely to get injured.

What exactly is cross training?

Cross-training is a way of incorporating various workout regimes to your actual sport to balance multiple components in the body. The method is popular for enhancing runner's performance and, most importantly, enabling them to prevent any form of injury. By getting involved in different exercises, your muscles become fine-tuned, and your core strengthens. You also get to eliminate burnout, so you can run for longer periods of time. It is one of the methods that top runners use to remain fit and perform optimally throughout their careers. 

Some of the best cross-training activities you can try are:

Strength training

For you to be able to run competitively, you need strength. It also enables you to balance your weight. When it comes to exercises, you should do full body strength training workouts, not forgetting about upper body. As runners, our legs are very strong and used to the work, so focusing on arms and shoulders is important to maintain balance in your physique and also to give you more stamina to race. Online there are many resources you can take inspo from: for example, this article about Chin Ups vs Pull Ups explains the difference between two very effective upper body exercises to try out. 

Swimming

Another excellent cross-training exercise is swimming. The whole activity is a foundation of breath control. It also enhances your cardiovascular stamina as well as overall physical endurance. It is among the few cross-training exercises that is a total body workout. That is why it is advisable to include it in your fitness routine more often.

Cycling

Cycling is an incredible rehabilitation exercise that builds your focus and strengthens your body muscles. Many athletes incorporate cycling or spinning workouts into their routine. They are low impact and minimize chances of developing injuries, while strengthening leg muscles and increasing endurance. 

Yoga

There are so many things that you can benefit from  by practicing yoga. It may not rank high as an endurance exercise, but it is fantastic for both your flexibility and agility. Yoga strengthens your core and gives you balance as well as flexibility. The various poses and movements are going to keep you from falling, and that prevents any form of injury.

Plyometrics

Plyos or plyometrics is a form of exercise that involves power jumping. As a runner, plyos can help you gain muscle strength, which is going to help you perform better. It also increases your power as well as your speed. That puts you in a great position both in shorter races and marathons.

The inclusion of these cross-training exercises in your daily training will help you become a better runner. They are going to help shape your physique, increase your strength and flexibility, as well as balance your body. During recovery days, you should also consider walking since it is low impact. It will help alleviate stiff muscles and keep you moving!

So Tell Me...

Do you cross-train?  If so, do you have a favorite exercise that you do? Is there an activity here that you will give a try now? 

Thank you so much for stopping by. As always, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. 

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