Cross-Training Benefits for Runners
By Paul RothbartRunning is a great activity. It provides an excellent workout for the cardiovascular system and also helps tone the leg muscles as well as improve balance and coordination. Runners also find that their sport helps their mental health as it can provide some beautiful zen moments as they chase that elusive runner's high. It's also a competitive sport and runners can race in everything from 5Ks to full marathons.
Running requires plenty of training which, naturally, consists mostly of running. Many runners have found it beneficial to engage in other types of training such as strength, flexibility, cycling, and swimming. Known as cross-training, this method of working out has a number of advantages.
Higher Level of Fitness
As runners become more fit, they seek to better their times for specific distances. By engaging in cross-training, runners can improve their efficiency, as well as increase endurance and power. This will help the runner reach a higher level of fitness than can be achieved by running alone. The runner will also become faster which is great for those who compete. Faster recovery times also result from cross-training which also results in longer and more frequent training sessions.
Preventing Injuries
Running puts a strain on many parts of the body. The feet and legs take quite a pounding and the hips and back are also impacted. Running injuries are common and they put you out of commission for a while and cause pain. The chance of injury is increased when muscle groups are out of balance as the weaker ones can't keep up. Poor recovery times also contribute to injury. Cross-training can help ensure there are no weak muscle groups. With this kind of balance, the risk of injury is significantly reduced. Improved recovery times also help to make injuries less likely.
Extra Motivation
Like any other endeavor, runners need to be motivated to continue training and improving. As much as you like running, all those miles and laps can become boring from time to time, making it tough to get out and run. Variety stimulates the mind and makes training fun. The additional types of exercise used in cross-training help to keep things fresh. Training stays challenging and fun and you tend to be even more motivated to continue working out.
Active Recovery
Strength and fitness levels improve during the periods of rest during workouts. This is when the body recovers and refreshes. There is also active recovery where the body refreshes while engaging in an activity. Cross-training helps the body improve its ability to actively recover and this translates to more speed, better endurance, and better levels of fitness.
Runners love their chosen form of workout. It's great for physical as well as mental health and is a great way to compete. Cross-training offers many benefits for runners of all levels.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Walnut Creek, Calif.