Runners: What do you do to cross train?

helmsara

I am hoping to get some ideas for cross training as a runner. I don't have access to a bike or pool right now, so those are out. What else is good?

pstansel74

Bodyweight core excercises. Squats, lunges, planks, ball stability stuff. Stronger core makes for an easier run because your form will be easier to maintain.

helmsara

Bodyweight core excercises. Squats, lunges, planks, ball stability stuff. Stronger core makes for an easier run because your form will be easier to maintain.

I do these things on strength days because I don't have access to weights either. One day I will have enough money to have a gym membership :P

Any cardio ideas?

lexington87

If you're already doing the core on strength days honestly try throwing in yoga (yes I realize doesn't seem like cardio) but I notice huge improvements to my time because of breath training strength and stretch

dorianaldyn

Usually my training runs are pretty flat, so for cross training last weekend I went on a hike with a big elevation gain. It worked different muscles, it was lower impact - it worked out really well for me! If only it weren't allergy season...

MsBobLoblaw

rowing and stair climbing

zillah73

I do elliptical plus lifting at the gym and yoga.

Timshel_

Bodyweight core excercises. Squats, lunges, planks, ball stability stuff. Stronger core makes for an easier run because your form will be easier to maintain.

Yup. half of my workout routines is strength training intervals. So running Max VO2 for a short burst then fast paced walk, then stregth training set (lunges, tire flip squats, belacher run, etc), then fast paced walk....couple miles worth, or about 35 minutes. Then in to the gym to kick around weights.

jen10st

Bump to read when I'm awake

NavyKnightAh13

bumping to read for later.

bobf279

I do step ups using a reebok step but stairs would do if you are pushed. I alternate starting leg every 1min 30 sec and work in sets of 6 mins stepping and 3 mins for 15 press ups, 15 crunches and 15 squats. I aim for 6 sets with set 1 and set 6 including a warm up/cool down using hand weights and stretching.

helmsara

Thank you all for the great ideas!

jen10st

I do an abs/core workout every couple of days, swim occasionally and weights for upper body. My cross training this week was digging, raking, and pulling up weeds which was a surprisingly good all over workout as everything is aching now

Azdak

Cycling is always a good choice. Works the quads, which running does not, and also has little impact so you can do cardio training and still recover from runs.

scookiemonster

My regular cardio is running, but I also sprinkle in yoga, body weight strength exercises, hiking, and rock climbing (at least once a week, and way more high intensity than anything else I do).

Runs4Wine

I did bootcamp for a while - admittedly I haven't gone in a few months due to illness and then race training.

Things we did that I found effective in addition to lunges, planks, squats, push-ups...

Bear Crawl
Jump Rope - this is a major cardio workout in a very brief time.
mountain climbers
step-ups
jump ups
burpees

Those are all free (minus the jump rope)

WannaDizzolve

Yoga and strength training. Also, ballet/barre. Running and power walking (I walk almost as fast as I run). Sometimes the elliptical at the gym. But the yoga really balances the running for me.

sevencallmemom

Bodyweight core excercises. Squats, lunges, planks, ball stability stuff. Stronger core makes for an easier run because your form will be easier to maintain.

^This and plyo. I run less than half of what I used to before starting these other workouts and my run times have improved dramatically.

brdgt

I do a strength training class 2X week, yoga at least 2X week, and rock climbing 2X week. Gym memberships can be expensive but I found one that has both yoga and strength training classes that totally justifies the price - if I just go to one yoga class a week it pays for itself in what I would pay on a class by class basis at a yoga studio.