THE ULTIMATE CROSS TRAINING WORKOUT FOR RUNNERS
As awesome as running is, and let’s be honest the runners high is real, it’s almost equally as important to cross-train to keep you in tip-top shape. Today we’re talking about great ways to cross-train for your next marathon, 10K or favorite outdoor activity! Here are our four major reasons why Running + InstaPhysique = the perfect combination.
1. Injury Prevention
Our Megaformer workout is a high-intensity, low-impact workout, meaning your heart rate will increase but there won’t be any stress on your joints or spine. Running is a high-intensity, high-impact sport, especially for your knees, glutes, hips, hamstrings, and lower back. The work we do on the Mega, by design, works to promote balance throughout the body. Runners will often develop unilateral weaknesses which can result in injury. That’s why high intensity racers will love that they can cross train with InstaPhysique and strengthen all the muscles and joints, most impacted by running to avoid being sidelined. By developing the stabilizing muscles and building a stronger running support system throughout the body, you will protect the knees, hips, and low back, reducing your chance of injury and improve power during intense running effort.
2. Improved Flexibility
When we run, we tend to move in one plane of motion, forward! In Lagree we work through all three planes of motion (forward/back, twisting, side-to-side) in order to strengthen the body but also aid in stretching and flexibility. Stretching and flexibility leads to better range of motion, especially in your hips.
3. Core Strength
A stronger core improves every part of your life, especially your running posture and speed. Core strength allows your pelvis, hips, and lower back to work more smoothly while using less energy. At InstaPhysique, we work every layer of your core, obliques, and lumbar spine to give you the strength and stability you need to run the distance!
4. Endurance & Stamina
When you build muscular endurance, your body can withstand fatigue and get you closer to the finish line faster! Runners use so many muscles that they need muscular strength to go the distance. The Lagree Method we utilize on the Megaformer uses resistance and the principal of time under tension by targeting your slow-twitch muscle fibers. These muscles have mitochondria that help with increasing endurance as well as creating lean muscle, maximizing these benefits in a low impact way! Besides the muscular endurance, it is mentally challenging. Runners love running for the physical and mental resilience it builds, and InstaPhysique is no different. It never gets easy- much like running- so you will never get bored.
So, if you’re looking for a time-efficient full-body workout that is an excellent compliment to running as it is low impact yet high intensity, and strengthens the key muscle groups that promote running economy and stability, and prevent injury (so you can keep running)…you’re in the right place.
Run, don’t walk, to InstaPhysique in Sacramento or Roseville and check out a class for yourself!