Cross-Training!

Team- Great job with your workout’s this week!  Your body is definitely developing muscle memory.  Months ago, you struggled when I first asked you to do planks, push-ups, crunches, football drills, squats and other exercises.  Now you are to the level of doing circuit workouts.  I am so proud of all the progress you have made.  Just think in one hour you go from doing warm up with walk/run drills to circuit drills with resistance band to core workout to walk/run drills around the capitol to foot drills and stretching and more.  Wow, I am really nice to you guys.  I should have you guys do more. 

In essence, you are cross-training all of your muscles during these workouts. It is important to cross-train so that you:

·         minimize the overuse of muscles you use while walking and running

·         to prevent injury from overtraining

·         prevent boredom

·         balance muscles throughout your body

·         improve strength

·         increase cardiovascular strength

Now that I am training for my second marathon, I am making sure to do more cross training. This will definitely prevent injuries from running more miles each week. Ask Andria about the core class we go to at Luke’s Locker on Wednesday mornings. They only have us doing around the world planks. Easy stuff right…

Make sure to follow the Coach ACT training calendar or do at least 2 days of cross-training activities throughout the week with your walk/run workouts.  Choose some form of exercise other than walking/running on cross-training days such as: cycling, swimming, yoga, elliptical, rowing, pilates, lifting weights, run in the water (aqua jog), hiking, dancing or a team sport.

livestrong.com/article, running.competitor.com and marathontrainingacademy.com

Remember, when it comes to fitness. I want to see results…not excuses…it’s for your health!

-Coach ACT