Cross Training
It seems about now is when I start looking for something a little different than running for my exercise routine. Maybe it is the upcoming Fall that triggers a change in me. Of course I do like variety anyway so ya never know!
Regardless of how this comes about, a cross training routine is important for several reasons. Don’t be locked into one style of exercise or you won’t have a “balanced body”. Several times a week I do other exercises besides running. There’s Yoga, weight training at the gym (or home), aerobics, etc. The point is to incorporate several different types so it is an all around routine. Martial arts is great. Breathing exercises can really do a fantastic job too. And I have heard of parachute running but haven’t tried it yet. It’s on my “to do” list.
The first thing to start with is a good core. You can’t go wrong if this is the first exercise program you pick to broaden your horizons.
Parachute running offers resistance and is effective for conditioning. It’s running, but at a different level and it takes your body in a different direction as far as your muscles are concerned. It uses muscles that wouldn’t ordinarily be used and increases your speed too.
Different sized chutes are used for beginners, intermediates, and advanced users. The weight of the runner is also taken into consideration.
And it seems like playing to me as you release the chute and get that “shot out of a cannon feel”! What can be better than having fun while you exercise!
As far as runners go, they can end up with very strong backs. This is great and indirectly strengthens your core abdominal muscles too. But nothing strengthens them as much as directly exercising them. So do some core exercise from Yoga or Pilates or something on the weight machines. You don’t want to be lopsided in regards to your front and back plane! That leads to injuries. And those, we can do without.
Breathing exercises can actually be of considerable benefit. They increase lung capacity, strengthen chest muscles as well as back, and oxygenate the body which gives benefit to EVERY cell. My favorite one is to inhale through the nose to a count of five. Hold for a count of twenty. Release out of the mouth to a count of ten. Five of these in the fresh air will get your morning off to a special start!
My suggestion is to cross train in some capacity. You’ll have more fun and increase your strength and health too!