Running is a great form of exercise. However, to train your entire body, it is important to incorporate cross training. As much as we like to think that our arm muscles are getting exercise while running, they are really just along for the ride. Additionally, running trains muscles needed to propel the body forward and straight. Lateral muscles can became under-trained and weak, which can create imbalances and cause injury.
Ideas for cross training include swimming, cycling, rowing (including rowing machines), and using elliptical and stair climber machines. Another option for cross training is to use workout videos. These videos can be played at home and generally do a great job including both resistance and cardio exercises that train the whole body.
| The Insanity Total Body Conditioning Program consists of an impressive variety of video workouts that will almost certainly improve your fitness. The workouts range from 40-60 minutes and no equipment (i.e. dumbbells) is required. Insanity is a great cross training tool because of its focus on cardio training mixed with strenuous resistance training. the Insanity program has many different workouts, which pretty much guarantees that you will not be bored. The creator of the system “Shaun T” is a motivational force and will keep you working hard even though you are tired. | |
| The P90X Home Fitness Program is designed to get your body in the best shape possible in the least amount of time. Unlike the Insanity Program, P90X is focused a bit more on weight training – although it does have great cardio workouts, including an impressive yoga workout. Keep in mind that you will need dumbbells and a pull up bar to do some of the P90X workouts. | |
| The Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred consists of three different twenty minute workouts. The 30 Day Shred does not have the number and variety of workouts of the Insanity and P90X programs, but it still is a great cross training tool. In the 30 Day Shred, Jillian Michaels uses the 3-2-1 method for getting fit and losing weight – repeated intervals of 3 minutes of cardio, 2 minutes of resistance training, and 1 minute of abs. In order to complete these workouts, make sure that you have a good pair of dumbbells. Although the 30 Day Shred is my favorite Jillian Michaels program, she also has other good DVD options for cross training, including 6 Week Six-Pack and Ripped in 30. | |
| The Zumba Body Shaping System is another workout video option for cross training. Insanity, P90X, and the Jillian Michaels programs are all fairly intense video workout systems designed to get your body in the best shape as quick as possible. Another option that might be more fun is the Zumba Body Shaping System. Zumba has latin-inspired dance workouts. Although it might not be heavy on the resistance training, Zumba workouts are off the charts from a cardio standpoint. Zumba workouts also, generally, are lower impact than the Insanity, P90X, and Jillian Michaels Programs, which is important for protecting knees and joints. |
Cross training is an important part of any running program. Using the above workout videos is a good way to ensure that you are improving the fitness of your entire body.
