Cross Training
Runners can achieve significant benefits, and reduce or avoid chance of injury by including cross training into running training plans. Many plans call for 1-2 days (workouts) per week performing crosstraining activities.
Check out Jordan Metzl’s book Running Strong for activities to improve your performance and prevent injuries.
Benefits of Cross Training
- Exercise without direct impact on joints from running (giving legs and feet a rest day)
- Stronger, more flexible muscles throughout body – working, strengthening different muscles than when running
- Something different and fun to break up the monotony of only running every workout day
Examples of Cross Training Activities
- Indoor or outdoor biking or spin classes
- Swimming
- Deep water pool running (with a water floatation belt)
- Weight training
- Yoga and stretching for runners
- Elliptical machines / Zero Runner
- High Intensity Interval Training