RUNNING INFORMATION ARTICLES

Running - Strength & Cross Training

Strength Training and Cross Training are great ways to condition different muscle groups. These allow you to vary the stress placed on specific muscles while you engage in your sport. A strong upper body will help you process oxygen more efficiently, which allows you to run faster with less effort.

Most of the time, athletes use the same kind of routine when they train or when they exercise. However, it limits the amount of overall fitness they need to achieve and reduce the actual conditioning that they get while they train. Instead of improving, they simply maintain a certain level of fitness, making them more prone to injuries and stress.

Cross Training uses different muscle groups, providing a total body workout. It also strengthens the quadriceps, stretches hamstrings, and prevents Chondromalacia, a degenerative condition of the cartilage surface at the back of the knee cap.

Runners are into Cross Training to help prevent injuries. But some runners who are new to Strength and Cross Training tend to get injured either by lifting too much or lifting with incorrect posture. This is why they need to find the right training to improve their Running performance.

One way to cross train is to go biking. This will help improve your overall aerobic capacity and reduce the chances of an overuse injury. Likewise, biking eases muscle imbalance and decreases the chance of getting a knee injury. It is also a great form of resistance training.

Enjoy swimming and use it as a form of Cross Training. Swimming provides an excellent cardio workout with zero impact. It also strengthens muscles.

Other forms of Strength and Cross Training that you can try are Yoga and Pilates. Both of these exercises can improve your overall fitness as well as prevent and rehabilitate injuries. Likewise, it will build core strength, mental focus, and the flexibility that runners should have.

These are only some of the ways in which you can train as a runner. There are still other cardiovascular exercises that you can try. The most important thing is that the type of training that you will adopt should be suitable for your own body type and needs. Seek medical advice to make sure you are not overusing your body’s capacity.

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