Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!
This week’s topic is: Cross-Training
According to Acefitness.org, “Cross training is typically defined as an exercise regimen that uses several modes of training to develop a specific component of fitness.”
- Reduced risk of injury – People who are particularly prone to lower-leg problems from running long distances should consider incorporating low-impact activities such as elliptical training, cycling and swimming into their regimens.
- Enhanced weight loss – people who need to lose weight can effectively achieve a reduction in body weight and fat stores by combining two or more physical activities in a cross-training regimen. They can, for example, exercise on an elliptical trainer for 20 to 30 minutes and then cycle for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
- Improved total fitness – Cross-training can include activities that develop muscular fitness, as well as aerobic conditioning.
- Enhanced exercise adherence – Cross-training is a safe and relatively easy way to add variety to an exercise program.
Another benefit of Cross-Training is that you can explore different kinds of sports. Although, you are a runner, you may find that you enjoy biking or swimming. Also when you cannot run due to an injury, you can still cross-train. When I broke my ankle, I could not run but I was able to bike and use the elliptical.
3. Swimming – It is an activity that is easy on the joints, supports your weight, builds muscular strength and endurance, improves cardiovascular health. It is also good for the lungs because of the breathing exercises you have to do while performing the activity. For runners who have sore legs, this is most recommended since it’s low impact, and it surprisingly burns a lot of calories.
my version of lake swimming
Tips for Cross-Training:
1. Choose what you like – Try several things to decide what’s beneficial and best for you. Also consider your resources like time, money and energy.
2. Start slow – Even if you are an experienced runner it doesn’t mean that you are already good at another activity or sport. Start at the beginner’s level of any sport or activity that you will engage into.
3. Do not strain yourself – Try to stick with your training days but use a cross-training activity as an alternative on some days not allotted for running.
4. Chose the ones that will not use the muscles that you use during running – that is why I do not play tennis and run on the same day (they both can strain your calf muscles) but I may do yoga after running.
5. Hydrate & Eat Well – Always make sure you hydrate yourself well especially if you sweat too much. Always eat healthy food. Avoid junk food and foods that are high in salt and fats. Try to eat more carbohydrates before exercise and protein after.
5. Have Fun! – You should always enjoy what you do because if not, you will not keep it up.
Happy Running! Do you Cross-train? What do you do as Cross-training?
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