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Best cross training exercises

Bommy_7
Bommy_7 Posts: 24 Member
edited November 2024 in Social Groups
Hello folks so I am fairly new to this group. I wanted to introduce my self. I am a 29 year old female. I have been running for about 6years and did my first marathon Oct 2013. I recently had a baby who is 5 months old and I an gearing up to run another marathon in May 2015. I have kept my base up from pregnancy and also have about 20 lbs to lose to get back to pre-pregnacy weight and hope to do that before this marathon. So what are your go to exercises for when you have days off from running?

Replies

  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    The "best" cross-training exercise is the one you enjoy.

    I lift on my off days from running since that's what my plan says to do.
    And on the days where I don't want to run (rare) or can't run due to my injury (not rare enough lol), I use the bike.

    I feel like a lazy fat *kitten* on the stairmaster/stair stepper. I hate the elliptical and the recumbent bike. I like the arc trainer but not all gyms have those.
  • dougii
    dougii Posts: 679 Member
    Ditto on the "best cross-training exercise is the one you enjoy"!

    I lift following a modified "SL 5x5" program on my non running days (although I tend to put in a couple of miles on the TM after finishing the SL program too). When I just want a different cardio experience I use the following (in order of preference): Arc Trainer, Rowing Erg, Elliptical, and lastly the stationary bike.

  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    dougii wrote: »
    Ditto on the "best cross-training exercise is the one you enjoy"!

    I lift following a modified "SL 5x5" program on my non running days (although I tend to put in a couple of miles on the TM after finishing the SL program too). When I just want a different cardio experience I use the following (in order of preference): Arc Trainer, Rowing Erg, Elliptical, and lastly the stationary bike.

    Yeah I didn't mention the erg since I'm noticing a lot of gyms don't have that either or they have one off in a dusty corner.

    I'll have to see if my gym does, I don't think they do... Erg is a good workout if you do it right. I took a free class at my running store (odd I know) from a guy who coaches rowing.

    Also, dougii, by stationary bike I assume you mean the upright bike and not the recumbent.

    I dislike the recumbent. It's far too easy to be really lazy on it...
  • Bommy_7
    Bommy_7 Posts: 24 Member
    Thanks for the replies. I think I will look into some form of weight lifting program. I want to keep my leg muscles strong to hopefully avoid any injuries. I guess I'm just not sure where to start with it. I'll look at that 5X5 program.
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