What Cross-training is most beneficial for you?

CROSS- TRAINING!! Cross training is a word thrown around, but what does it mean I should do and where should you fit it in?

Cross training is meaning alternative ways to train alongside your main sport that complement your improvement in that sport.

For runners, beginners, a few years into runningers, and longtime seasoned runners, cross-training is useful.

Where can cross-training benefit you?

• Off-season training

• Training when injured

• Building fitness and strength up faster without breaking the body down. Hands up who has been told by the physio before, “ you are doing too much too soon?”

• It can aid in recovery

• And keep training more fun, varied and motivating

What does cross-training look like for runners?

Let's look at what we need as a runner first.

From my knowledge and experience, most runners are looking to

• Run faster

• Increase distance

• Climb hills stronger

Struggles that they face along the way

• Injuries

• Feeling heavy like you are pounding the ground rather than gliding

• Overtraining,

• Body breaking down

So we are looking at gaining endurance, power, and speed without breaking the body down to the point of injury

Types of cross-training beneficial to runners

• Cycling for cardio, power, quick leg turnover without the high impact

• Aqua jogging for cardio, strength, power without the high impact

• Hiking for leg strength and endurance with less impact

• Roller skating, cross country skiing, and swimming on a kickboard are some othe ideas for endurance and cardio

Then we move into my specialty strength and conditioning training, which is normal for every high-end athlete, to increase their performance but not quite so normal for the average runner. I think this has changed since Bootcamps, Crossfit, F45, etc have all come about whereas before this other than your sport there was just weight lifting or aerobics.

Strength and conditioning training takes apart what you need to improve, what the movements you do in your sport and work to improve on them.

• Strengthening of the muscles to move

• The balancing of the counteractive muscles to prevent injury

• Get muscles working faster and longer

• Working at different intensities

This is what we do at Fitness is Fun and hopefully all with the enjoyment of being a part of a group and out in the fresh air which is one of the reasons we all enjoy going for a run. Our next Run workshop - I love doing these and get great feedback from them, i would love to help you if you are battling injuries, run at a plod speed, struggling to step up to the next level in your running. Learn more here >>https://www.fitnessisfun.co.nz/running