Whether you’re working out in a gym like Life Time Fitness or the YMCA, cross-training offers plenty of benefits, as listed below:
Benefit #1: Injury Prevention
Running-related overuse injuries are a common concern for many runners. Fortunately, most of these injuries can be prevented or minimized. More than half of running injuries are actually reinjuries, and they can often be attributed to factors like inadequate recovery, biomechanical irregularities, muscular imbalances caused by running, or improper footwear. While cross-training may not address footwear choices, it can certainly help with the other three factors. Beginners can benefit greatly from endurance cross-training to improve their endurance without subjecting their vulnerable joints, muscles, and connective tissues to excessive impact. Gradually incorporating running into the routine once a fitness base is established can reduce the risk of injury and help runners stay in the sport for longer.
Benefit #2: Rehabilitation
In the unfortunate event of an overuse injury, cross-training can come to the rescue in two significant ways. Firstly, it helps runners maintain their overall fitness even when they are unable to run or have to reduce their running volume. Secondly, cross-training can address the root cause of the injury. Activities like water running, elliptical training, cycling, and inline skating closely simulate the movements and demands of running, allowing runners to maintain their conditioning during the recovery phase. These cross-training alternatives can approximate the volume and intensity of running workouts, preventing a rapid decline in running fitness.
Benefit #3: Improved Running Fitness
While there are various motivations for running, the desire to run faster is a common goal. Cross-training provides a reliable means to become a faster runner. Almost every runner can benefit from appropriate cross-training alongside their running activities. Supplemental training outside of running can enhance efficiency, strength, power, and training volume without subjecting the body to excessive breakdown. Additionally, the other reasons for cross-training mentioned earlier, such as injury prevention and active recovery, indirectly contribute to improved running performance. Cross-training helps runners train more consistently, recover better between key workouts, and ultimately achieve a higher level of fitness by race day.
Benefit #4: Active Recovery
For athletes to achieve optimal conditioning, periods of rest and recovery are essential. While complete rest is necessary, incorporating active-recovery workouts between key training sessions can further enhance the recovery process and overall fitness. Light workouts performed during the recovery phase slightly increase the body’s need for recovery, accelerating the recovery process beyond what is achieved through complete rest alone. Active-recovery sessions complement high-intensity running workouts and long runs, helping runners become fitter and better prepared for races.
Benefit #5: Enhanced Motivation
Even the most passionate runners can experience boredom when their training becomes repetitive or monotonous. Variety is key to maintaining enthusiasm for the sport, enabling runners to train harder, more consistently, and ultimately perform better in races. Increasing motivation for training is worth pursuing, regardless of whether it is purely based on physical rationale. Incorporating more cross-training and reducing running volume can make the training process more enjoyable. On days when the motivation to run is lacking, engaging in alternative activities like cross-country skiing or other endurance sports can provide a refreshing change and maintain overall fitness.
Benefit #6: Rejuvenation
Just as no tree can bear fruit all year round, runners cannot engage in intense training continuously without repercussions. Taking breaks from formal training is crucial to allow the body and mind to recover and rejuvenate. The transition phase of the training cycle, typically during the off-season or winter, involves complete rest for about two weeks, followed by informal training for an additional two to eight weeks. This informal training period allows runners to engage in activities they enjoy, such as basketball, yoga, swimming, or weightlifting, while still maintaining cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility. The primary objective during this phase is to prioritize enjoyment and give the body the recovery it needs, striking a balance between rest and play.
Benefit #7: Enjoying Other Sports
Endurance is a highly transferable capacity, and the cardiovascular benefits gained from running can be advantageous in various other endurance sports such as swimming, cycling, or cross-country skiing. While the development of efficiency in a particular activity requires consistent practice, exploring other sports can uncover hidden talents and further enhance overall fitness. Trying out different endurance sports can be a rewarding experience, promoting enjoyment and potentially improving performance in running as well. Learn more about cross training here: