Tuesday Topics: Favorite Cross-Training Activities
Running is of course my first love (at least since the early 2000’s when before that it was rowing). But, we can’t always spend time running. If all we did was run all the time it’s possible that injury would set in or overtraining might happen. It’s so important to mix things up and to cross-train. According to Runner’s World, ” Better efficiency, more strength and power, and greater training volume without additional breakdown,” are all benefits of cross-training.
Here are some of my current favorite ways to Cross-train:
Yoga
Yoga is beneficial to running because it provides you with deep stretching. Yoga also helps to build muscles in your whole body which will help provide you with better strength and stability for running. When you do yoga you work your body on different planes which is important for keeping everything in balance and injury free. Yoga also benefits you by teaching you to focus on your breathing. Yoga will also provide your body with the recovery that you need from running.
Spinning
Spinning is low impact exercise which can help prevent injury. It is also an endurance sport which can help with continued development of cardiovascular fitness. Active.com says, “As you push yourself on fast flats and steeper hills, you move to a more anaerobic heart rate and your fast-twitch (quick to fatigue) muscle fibers are trained.” I enjoy spinning in spinning class but also love to spin on my bike trainer.
Cross-Fit
Cross-Fit strengthens muscles in your whole body which can be very beneficial for running. CrossFit exercises are done in a Workout Of the Day or WOD which involves shorter work times. The exercises are Olympic lifts, gymnastic moves, and powerlifting and primarily anaerobic in nature. Cross-Fit will make you a more balanced athlete which is better for running. I try to do Cross-Fit 2-3 times a week.
Tennis
Tennis is not traditional cross-training for running but is something new that I am adding into the mix. I haven’t played tennis since I was a kid but have been looking for something new to do. Tennis like yoga works you in different planes than running does as you move both side to side and back and forth. Tennis is also more anaerobic in nature because you move in short quick bursts and sprints.
I am linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics. Please check out this awesome link-up!
What is your favorite way to Cross-Train?
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I LOVE the peloton app
I am currently obsessed w my Peloton classes. I also love strength training, boxing and yoga.
Deborah Brooks recently posted…March Runfessions and Brooks Glycerin Review
A gym near me just opened with “yoga body sculpt” that definitely intensifies the workout!
Bekah recently posted…Arbonne Protein Balls: 2 Ways!
You know I like yoga and CrossFit, but some of my favorite cross-training activities are on the water!
Wendy recently posted…Would You Run a Race You Most Likely Wouldn’t Finish?
I a bad when it comes to cross training. I know it is something I need to go with all of the running I do.
I am bad when it comes to cross training. I know it is something I need to go with all of the running I do.
I’d really like to try Cross-Fit sometime but it is so intimidating to me! I hear it’s a great complement for running. I love spin and yoga too!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Brooks Glycerin 17 Running Shoes Review
I’m a huge Peloton fan and I either use my bike or the app every day!
Kim G recently posted…Tuesday Topics: Favorite Cross Training Activity
I do pilates and HIIT.
I had never thought of tennis as a great compliment to running, but with all the lateral moves (and short bursts of movement), it’s a perfect fit!
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile recap
I love yoga, hiking, and SUP for cross training. I wish I had more time for it!! I would also like to get back into tennis at some point!!
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com recently posted…Five Benefits of Eating More Protein
It took me a while to like yoga but now I love it! I also enjoy spinning. I’m intimidated by crossfit and not coordinated enough for tennis, but I sure wish I could play.
Coco recently posted…Race Recap — 2019 Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run
I love yoga and SUP. Those are my favorites and now that the weather is warmer, I can’t wait to get back on the water.
I always love lifting weights!
I am also a huge fan of the Sprint class I teach (and take when I can) that is a 30 min HIIT workout on a bike!
So fun learning about your fav ways to cross train!
Esther recently posted…SpringintoNOW challenge day 10