Since I'm a 'runner', most of my workouts well... are... running. But with this injury (Injured Again - Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome) I'm turning to cross-training. And I don't mean just a temporary thing to do until I can run again.
Seriously, I don't plan to 'just run' ever again. I think this injury has really made me stop and think about my health goals.
As I said in a previous post, I don't plan to do anything back to back. And, when I can run again, I plan to either rest before running again or cross-train.
And, I'm finding that in the past, I made cross-training more complicated than it had to be. I considered it less important than running. When the reality is, in my opinion, I think it should be just as important as running. It doesn't have to be an activity to fill time until you can run again. Instead, it can actually be enjoyable.
And trust me, I never thought that I would say that!
So what have I been doing for cross training?
Currently, I've been riding the stationary bike. So far my longest ride is 15 miles, which I might add I'm extremely proud of.
I plan to go to a spin class soon. I honestly just haven't wanted to get up at 5am (or earlier) with Lil Man getting us up at night, plus my foot is still swollen. So I've been doing the bike on my own.
Rowing is also a good option. Often the rowing machine isn't used. But let me tell you, it's an awesome workout. I haven't done it in awhile. So I'm starting back with 15 minutes.
I did buy an aqua-jogger, but I haven't used it yet. I'll let you know how that goes.
I also like the elliptical and arc trainer. So far, my foot hasn't tolerated the elliptical. But this week I did try the arc trainer, and so far so good with that.
In the past, I've made cross-training a difficult thing. I didn't seem to have time to fit it in. HELLO INJURY!
And this week, it dawned on me that cross-training really is simple. Just move! It doesn't have to be a scheduled gym equipment workout. JUST MOVE!.
Do yoga - at home - in a class - or with a workout video.
Dance - at home - in a class - or with a workout video.
Lift weights - at home - in a class - at the gym - or with a workout video.
Ride a bike, try some new gym equipment - don't be intimidated to step outside of your comfort zone.
If you don't know how to use a piece of gym equipment, ask. I've yet to go to a gym where if I asked the staff that someone there couldn't tell me how to use the equipment.
Make it fun! If you aren't feeling the elliptical then move to something else and vice versa.
Seriously, cross-training isn't complicated. And in my opinion, it shouldn't be skipped. No matter what your sport is, I think mixing things up is best for your body (and your mind).
Yes, I'm a runner. But now you will also finding me riding a bike, rowing, using the elliptical and various gym equipment, along with lifting, and yoga.
Don't make your workouts more complicated than they have to be. And don't get stuck doing one thing over and over.
As they say, variety is the spice of life.
What's your favorite cross training activity?
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Seriously, I don't plan to 'just run' ever again. I think this injury has really made me stop and think about my health goals.
As I said in a previous post, I don't plan to do anything back to back. And, when I can run again, I plan to either rest before running again or cross-train.
And, I'm finding that in the past, I made cross-training more complicated than it had to be. I considered it less important than running. When the reality is, in my opinion, I think it should be just as important as running. It doesn't have to be an activity to fill time until you can run again. Instead, it can actually be enjoyable.
And trust me, I never thought that I would say that!
So what have I been doing for cross training?
Currently, I've been riding the stationary bike. So far my longest ride is 15 miles, which I might add I'm extremely proud of.
I plan to go to a spin class soon. I honestly just haven't wanted to get up at 5am (or earlier) with Lil Man getting us up at night, plus my foot is still swollen. So I've been doing the bike on my own.
Rowing is also a good option. Often the rowing machine isn't used. But let me tell you, it's an awesome workout. I haven't done it in awhile. So I'm starting back with 15 minutes.
I did buy an aqua-jogger, but I haven't used it yet. I'll let you know how that goes.
I also like the elliptical and arc trainer. So far, my foot hasn't tolerated the elliptical. But this week I did try the arc trainer, and so far so good with that.
In the past, I've made cross-training a difficult thing. I didn't seem to have time to fit it in. HELLO INJURY!
And this week, it dawned on me that cross-training really is simple. Just move! It doesn't have to be a scheduled gym equipment workout. JUST MOVE!.
Do yoga - at home - in a class - or with a workout video.
Dance - at home - in a class - or with a workout video.
Lift weights - at home - in a class - at the gym - or with a workout video.
Ride a bike, try some new gym equipment - don't be intimidated to step outside of your comfort zone.
If you don't know how to use a piece of gym equipment, ask. I've yet to go to a gym where if I asked the staff that someone there couldn't tell me how to use the equipment.
Make it fun! If you aren't feeling the elliptical then move to something else and vice versa.
Seriously, cross-training isn't complicated. And in my opinion, it shouldn't be skipped. No matter what your sport is, I think mixing things up is best for your body (and your mind).
Yes, I'm a runner. But now you will also finding me riding a bike, rowing, using the elliptical and various gym equipment, along with lifting, and yoga.
Don't make your workouts more complicated than they have to be. And don't get stuck doing one thing over and over.
As they say, variety is the spice of life.
What's your favorite cross training activity?
Share this on Facebook?
If you like my blog, or this post, please take a moment to share it with friends. As they say, sharing is caring :)
Add to Flipboard Magazine.
Please Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the affiliate link.
I like to do all the things! Running, weights, yoga. I think I tried every single machine in the gym. Not a fan of fitness classes, but I'm tempted to try aerial yoga someday. And climbing.
ReplyDeleteThat's great! I've always been scrared of aerial yoga :)
DeleteDo aerial yoga! It's awesome!! Just have to take deep breaths and trust your body (which isn't that what yoga is all about?)
ReplyDelete