Cross Training Questions
For runners what is the best machine for cross-training?
I've heard that smart runners cross train. That is they run 3-4 days a week and cross train on the others.
Public Comments
- Well, cross-training is supposed to strengthen the other parts of your body that are not already being strengthened with running. For example, while running you really work out your larger muscles: calves, abdomen, quads, etc. and mostly your lower body gets a work out. Cross-training is to help get your upper body up to par with your lower body and also help to not only increase overall fitness and health but to balance the strength of your body. Doing leg-curls, squats, lifting weights (bench and dumbells), and other gym-type weight equipment that should be found in your school's gym. Doing regular push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and other exercises that don't require equipment also help with cross-training. Ask your coach specifically for better instruction (there are some types of exercises with the dumbells that you can do that your coach can tell you about). Yes, it is extremely important and, as you said, smart, to cross train. Not only does it strengthen the other muscles that you don't really work out while running, but it improves your overall health, fitness, and endurance, thus helping you run harder and faster without getting tired to easily. It also balances your body's size, since imbalanced athletes can sometimes have large upper body and small lower body or vice versa. Trust me when I say that doesn't look good and it's not as healthy as some think.
- umm not really unless your injured but to prevent injury i would run on the elliptical once a week and run the rest of the week so your joints get a break from the pounding. also exercise bike is good and doing strength training like crunches, push ups, anything that will strengthen your legs or even your arms b/c your arms are used alot in running form so its good to keep good arm strength.
- elepictal,tredmill,bike
- i would stick with straight running, but if you want to give your body a break from the pounding, try the elliptical. you can also try the bike.
