What to do when runners can’t run
Runners love to run, but there are times due to soreness, joint or knee pain that running is not a viable option. Cross-training is training in two or more sports (activities) in order to improve fitness and performance, especially in a main sport (or activity). So, if you want to be a good runner, you need to run, but sometimes the amount of pounding running puts on one’s legs is not beneficial; at the same time you need to keep your cardio and conditioning up as to not lose a step. So what do you do?
Luckily there are many wonderful fitness machinesout there that take the heavy impact away from your legs and joints but still allow for a strong cardiovascular workout when used appropriately.
The Elliptical and Cross-Training
The elliptical is a great standard piece of fitness equipment you can find in any commercial gym as well as many homes across the world. An elliptical is a machine that gives you a similar sensation of cross-country skiing or gliding sort of motion. Depending on the model and brand you use, the handles can be stationary or moveable to add some upper-body work while one is performing on the machine.
While the motion the user has on an elliptical is similar to that of running, it is not running. For one, your heels never leave the foot pedals, which is different from running where your feet do leave the platform with each step you take. Also, the stride length is usually a bit shorter than your running gait. Lastly, depending on the treadmill model and level you are on, your knee lift will vary greatly compared to running on a treadmill or outside. The beauty of an elliptical is that you can really get your heart rate up almost as fast as if you were on a treadmill without the high impact on your joints. Also, because the machine has more of a fluid motion, you are able to move at higher speeds than if you were on a treadmill, which is good for helping you in your overall leg turnover.
Stationary Bikes and Cross-Training
Another machine that is good for the cross-training runner is some sort of stationary bike . While there are recumbent bikes, upright bikes and indoor cycles to choose from and all are a good cross-training workout for runners. While one is using different muscle groups when on a cycle than running, the fact that a person is still getting a quality cardio workout on a stationary bike is the true benefit to runners. Also, like the elliptical, the low impact on the legs when cycling is a huge benefit to the person who needs to log in more miles on his or her legs without pounding them on the roads.
So, exhale, it’s alright if you can’t get in your run everyday due to sore muscles or joints – there are options out there for you.
For more information about buying your own elliptical or stationary bike, or any new fitness equipment for your Phoenix area home, contact Fitness 4 Home Superstore today and we’ll be able to match you up with the perfect piece of exercise apparatus – cardio, strength, core or flexibility.
For more information about buying an elliptical, like the Spirit XE395 Elliptical, or any other type of fitness equipment for your Phoenix area home, contact Fitness 4 Home Superstore today and we’ll be happy to match you up with the perfect piece of exercise apparatus – cardio, strength, core or flexibility.
