| As beginning runners (or any runners for that | | | | |
| matter!), we often tend to stick to the one | | | | So, what kinds of cross training are there? |
| thing we know: Running. | | | | |
| | | | There's riding a bike... But cycling can be |
| And at Ordinary Runner ( we certainly believe | | | | expensive! |
| EVERYONE should be a runner! | | | | |
| | | | There are treadmills and elliptical machines |
| However, running does give us quite a | | | | at the gym... But the gym can be expensive, |
| pounding on our legs! Our joints and muscles | | | | too, and one of the reasons we are runners is |
| are repeatedly shocked throughout the course | | | | because we like the price! |
| of a run... And the more intense the run, the | | | | |
| more pounding they take! | | | | Water Running |
| | | | |
| Cross training a day or two a week can work | | | | My recommended cross training activity is |
| wonders! | | | | water running. It does take a one-time |
| | | | investment in an aqua jogger shoes or gloves |
| What is cross training, you ask? | | | | (around $15-20) or an aqua jogging vest or |
| | | | belt (a $45-55 cost), but after that, you're |
| It basically means that you "cross over" for | | | | good to go! |
| a day into another aerobic exercise area, | | | | |
| instead of only running, in order to help | | | | Just get in the deep water at your nearest |
| prevent injury. (Or to recover after an | | | | pool, and run in the water. (It takes a |
| injury!) | | | | little getting used to, but it's really very |
| | | | simple. In no time, you'll be water running |
| Don't get me wrong! Running, as we've stated | | | | with the best of 'em! |
| before, is NUMERO UNO as far as aerobic | | | | |
| exercises go! Nothing gets your heart rate | | | | The health benefit of water running is big! |
| going like a good run! | | | | |
| | | | When you do your water running, your heart |
| But running does give you a good pounding! | | | | rate still gets up there (so you get the |
| | | | aerobic benefit), but your muscles get a rest |
| So lots and lots of runners take a day or two | | | | from the pounding for a day. |
| a week and cross train. | | | | |
| | | | So it's a perfect cross-training activity. |
| For cross training, you want to do another | | | | |
| activity that elevates your heart rate, but | | | | And just by doing water running, you're |
| doesn't pound you quite as much as running. | | | | helping yourself prevent injury! |
| | | | |
| This gives your muscles and joints a rest, | | | | And if you're already injured (Let's hope |
| while keeping your heart going! | | | | not! But occasionally it does happen!), |
| | | | water running is perfect for keeping your |
| Cross training has some great benefits: | | | | aerobic fitness up while your injury heals. |
| | | | |
| 1) Gives joints, bones, and muscles a much | | | | So, take some good advice on running for |
| needed rest, making them fresher for your | | | | beginners! For all of you who love running |
| next run. | | | | and want to keep doing it for years... |
| | | | |
| 2) Still increases your heart rate, so you | | | | ... Water aerobic exercise, in the form of |
| still get a good aerobic workout even on the | | | | water running, is a great way to cross train |
| days you don't run. | | | | and save your legs! |
| | | | |
| 3) Breaks the routine. (I mean, we love | | | | You'll be saving some of the miles in your |
| running, but sometimes it's just nice to do | | | | legs for another day! |
| something else!) | | | | |