The MOST EFFECTIVE Cross Training For Runners

[@runningchannel]

What’s your favourite method of cross training? Or are you going to add some in now you’ve seen this video? Let us know in the comments 👇

[@dylanmortensen8935]

Bouldering, great endurance work.

[@danielw.4876]

Swimming! I used to do competitive swimming before I started running so it works great when I don’t wanna run.

[@brianhapeman9262]

I cross train - sometimes I run roads instead of trails. 😁

[@MokeleMbembeLives]

Weight training and Yoga 🙌🏽.

[@wesleycowley5904]

Rowing - full body, endurance, Iow impact

[@nickharte7106]

What an excellent video. Concise and informative. I am doing the London Marathon in April 2023 and sustained a calf injury which currently prevents me running, but want to keep my fitness up and improve strength and flexibility and this is as good an exposition of how to achieve that as I have seen. Many thanks, Nick

[@robertaartro-morris5505]

I use a bike, a rowing machine, a balance board, light weights and circuit training as well as a range of mobility exercises regularly. I also like to include some juggling which is not only good for my arms but a surprisingly effective cardio workout if you can juggle 4 or more balls. I swim but usually only after a run as a way of cooling down.

[@bikesandlaces]

The rowing is my go to if I have to take a few weeks off for injury, works really well and so does cycling !! :)

[@runningchannel]

Nice 👌

[@andrewferguson640]

That video thumbnail is disturbing 🤣

[@runningchannel]

I know!! So strange 🤣 I feel violated! Haha. Made you click though? (Anna)

[@brianhapeman9262]

But so funny!

[@DevonPixie1991]

The Running Channel looks like whoever it is skipped leg day

[@cjstormblessed3548]

Actually prevented me from clicking at first lol. Watched a few other videos before I came back to this one.

[@lexington476]

I race triathlons, so i do some cycling and swimming. I've never liked doing weights.

[@DanielMooreDJ]

lexington476 I’m a triathlete too 👋 what’s your goals for 2020?

[@wunderlichdrive]

I have picked up bouldering. It is amazing for building core strength, plus it is so different from running that it stays very enjoyable. This helps me to keep good posture and keep those lower abs strong during long runs and during a marathon.

[@runningchannel]

Awesome form of cross training! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@beeglie1]

I have to take my dog for a walk twice a day. I find walking very beneficial especially after a hard workout or after a race where I've put a lot of effort in. I suppose it's like a slower recovery run. When I look at heart rate and calories used, walking at a decent pace is more energetic than we realise.

[@runningchannel]

Another great addition!

[@garettreid8729]

For sure, I'm a strength coach and endurance coach. I tell both set of athletes that in my opinion, nothing beats a nice walk for recovery

[@susan8911]

Stationary bike/spinning class. Also enjoy a good brisk walk when recovering from a tough run. Your video has inspired me to head to the pool.

[@gingerninja74]

I found it really beneficial to drop one of my shorter runs and start a boxing fitness session each week, really good and rounded sessions, different every week, and I never felt better. Another great video, as always!

[@SuperYtc1]

How did you start boxing fitness sessions?

[@christopherhauser358]

You Guys Rock!! I'm here in Chicago & just stared running at 55 years of age. Your channel really comes in handy. Would love to get some Running Channel apparel. Please let us know when & if we can purchase. Thanks for everything you do!!!

[@MrRaErickson]

My dad cross country skid in the winter and he was a beast of a runner

[@The_VANtastic_Pack]

Rollerblading and hiking are good cross training too I'd say.

[@MattSwain1]

I’ve neglected cross-training for too long but over the last month or so really picked it up. I’ve added 3 sessions on my turbo trainer each week plus some strength work in the gym to the running and yoga that I was already doing. I think lack of basic strength has really limited progress in my running

[@stewartgardiner9792]

Great topic for discussion. My cross training is ballet and weights. Sometimes swimming in the summer or boxing.

[@jhessgirl]

I use the 26.2 app that has me cross train 2x a week. I mix it up with yoga, HIIT, weights, walking, air guitar, abs and core, dancing. Thanks for the video. Excellent resource. The Running Channel rocks

[@runningchannel]

Aww thanks so much! And thanks for the tip on the app - that sounds ideal!

[@patrick7228]

Could you guys do something on treadmill running vs outdoor running? My 9:00 minute mile pace feels a ton harder on the treadmill vs running that pace outdoors.

[@justanotherguy4283]

KODEIIBYH I just googled hat the other day. For my first couple of miles I do a 10 min mile pace.. but I’m pretty sure it’s not accurate because it feels way harder in the treadmill

[@patrick7228]

@@justanotherguy4283 Awesome, glad to know it's not just me. It seems like the internet articles I've read say people feel the treadmill is easier and that hasn't been my experience at all. At least not matching a 9:00 pace from my garmin watch outside to any treadmills I've used, and I've used many at various gyms.

[@justanotherguy4283]

KODEIIBYH yeah same for me. On race day my averages are far better than on the treadmill. My Fitbit Charge doesn’t get my steps right on the treadmill either

[@davidchavez4026]

I find the treadmill to be more boring vs. Running out and about

[@deltanovember2296]

I agree. I find that after about 6k on a treadmill I am dealing with a lot of heat build up, which seems to really affect my performance. I would wear less but I’m pretty sure that my gym membership would be revoked.

[@joekern4474]

So I'm 40 Years old and about 230 lbs. Starting to have some lower back issues. I got turned onto yoga and it really helped. Stretching out the hips and back make my long runs smoother.

[@oilinmyface787]

How is it going today ? :)

[@gwilymeades]

Thank you! Time to get back on the elliptical for a bit...at least until marathon training starts again!

[@nkoeppen]

I’m going to have nightmares of the thumbnail now...😂

[@deanpower3079]

Love creating HIIT session in home sometimes on my non run days, but sometimes I add them to my shorter speed run days, this way I'm working on fatigued muscles and I find myself stronger for it

[@yentlearendse7465]

Hi. Love your channel. I love doing step aerobics.

[@DanielMooreDJ]

I do all 4 😁 Triathlon is the best sport ever!!! I started as a runner

[@barryjmarling]

Opps I’m following a training plan for my first HM,and I thought cross-training,was just using the cross trainer as well,thank you for this feature.👍🏻

[@DanielMooreDJ]

Good luck on the HM Barry 👍 I always found swimming really good for cross training as it has low resistance and when doing the front crawl at an endurance effort you are forced to control your breathing because your head is in the water I found this really good for control and increase in lung capacity

[@runningchannel]

Good luck Barry!

[@Shevock]

Swimming at the Y, easy aerobic bicycling when the weather allows, lifting weights, yoga, karate, hiking ... variety is the spice of life.

[@alanperez6154]

I definitely need this to improve my 5k. Trying to break 17’s. Thank You 🙏🏽

[@runningchannel]

Great stuff! What are you going to add in?

[@WatcherofVideosSometimes]

I finally broke 17 back in July. I was doing 3 long runs, 1 interval session, 1 full body circuit session and a parkrun each week. Long runs were usually around 10-12 miles. If I were to do it again though I'd swap the circuit session for some cycling as this routine took its toll on my Calf. However you approach it I wish you all the best. Good luck!

[@davewarman4208]

I walk a lot, but not running makes me cross 😉 does that count ? Nice jacket btw 👍

[@mollymagennis7261]

Oooh yes this video has come at the perfect time!!!

[@eclipse067]

I started Pilates two months after starting running for months ago. Really helps in core strenght eand a lot of stability too. I'm really enjoy it

[@SimonBrown]

Thanks for the video. I spent 8 weeks cycling while I was resting a foot injury. The rigid cycling shoes stopped any flexing of my foot during my workout. Back to running soon with a good state of fitness.

[@Curly_Captures]

Great stuff, been waiting for someone to do a video like this. Going to bear this video in mind the next time I need to cross train. I favour the cross trainer because it feels much more like running. Although, I end up running like John Wanye if I try running afterwards.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching! Glad you found it useful!

[@mreuphonium]

Great video's. Very good presenter, so clear and to the point. Keep up the good work.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Edwin!

[@bethanygodfrey5745]

I was a swimmer before I took up running so that’s my preferred cross training. Now cross training on the bike too as thinking about doing a triathlon

[@runningchannel]

I’m a big fan of swimming too - I used to be a synchronised swimmer! (Anna)

[@HuesingProductions]

@@runningchannel I'm jealous of your lung capacity :D

[@DanRuns]

What’s the best stroke?

[@WatcherofVideosSometimes]

I have the opposite problem - interested in triathlons but the world's worst swimmer :-(

[@bethanygodfrey5745]

Dan Runs in which context?

[@timotejandrejko3477]

Thank you for this video so much. You are simply amazing

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@WatcherofVideosSometimes]

From personal experience - CYCLING! It's easy on the Calves and Hammy's, enables you to up your weekly cardio without increased injury risk. Even when I couldn't walk due to a dodgy Calf I could still blast out max effort on the bike. Cycling has helped me so much that I'm just this week getting back into running after a 3 month injury and I actually feel FITTER than I did before the injury! Really feeling optimistic about 2020 now!

[@faykellett9589]

My favourite has to be the bike with swimming as a close second

[@Rickles]

I do indoor rock climbing on my off days. Nobody really talks about it for runners but I hope it's helpful because that's what I enjoy doing.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching Rick! Yes, I am sure climbing is great for runners (and I'm not just saying that because I love climbing!). Arm and core strength is key for good running form, plus I think there's a lot of mental work that goes into climbing too (solving problems). Plus, it's fun!

[@elenichouvarda8229]

I always love your energy!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you!

[@redbertiethechampion1863]

Rowing..i can’t recomend it enough!!

[@bigwill4978]

Anna's been taking those protein shakes! Nice thumbnail!!

[@runningchannel]

😂💪

[@ab52624]

Thank you Running Channel for another AMAZING video! I started going to the gym and I’m quite happy to know that the exercises I’ve been doing will improve my running! 💪🏼🎉

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Ana!

[@TheSJONGEJONGEJONGE]

With cycling using cleats, pulling up on the pedal is useless because the only muscle active in that part of the pedal stroke are your shins. Cleats are for weight relief of the other leg in that part of the pedal stroke so don't exert your shins. Cleats are also for your safety when riding out of the saddle or sprinting really hard.

[@davidpotter213]

I just found this channel and I love it and I'm crushing on Anna haha

[@runningchannel]

Haha! Thanks David! 🤣 (Anna)

[@davidpotter213]

@@runningchannel No thank you!! I've been running on a treadmill I went on a vacation and did a couple of 5k on the beach. Now I just want to run outside any advice for the switch? Maybe you made a video on this already?

[@runningchannel]

Interesting question! Best advice? Go do it! Adapt! Find what you like. Find routes that you love. See how you feel. Everyone is different and one size doesn’t fit all (Anna)

[@arcticrunning8370]

Most often when channels suggest 10 altenatives like this my brain get a overload and I forget what we where talking about and I go out for a run. For me would 10 videoes with going into 1 at a time in depth be better.

[@RunnerKao]

Strength training for me. 😊

[@runningchannel]

💪

[@logginsirl]

More great tips,love it! Exactly what I have been looking for, thanks 😊

[@runbikerun8189]

Cycling for sure! Even though it takes a lot of time as the ratio is something like 4:1, if I keep a high cadence and monitor my heart rate it is very effective. I also like to lap swim but do that after my weekly long run.

[@bobbob9364]

This is excellent advice,I don’t know why runners just appear to stick to high impact all the time

[@ancientsound]

I do weight training 2x per week and step aerobics 1x-because step is fun!!

[@dukeholbrook7750]

Climbing stairs. It's definitely tedious but it translates well for running benefits. Love this channel!!!

[@runningchannel]

We love you too!

[@unclebones]

That thumbnail is an image not easily removed from me memory cells you know

[@teddyhornibrook5352]

Strength training for me, but sometimes I do stationary bike.

[@ifonly2675]

For road runners................ trail running For trail runners..................road running Mixing both makes you a better runner in every way, a lot less injury prone and a lot more fun !

[@The_VANtastic_Pack]

Do you guys have a video about keeping up on your running goals/ training while having a cold/flu or after having a cold/flu/illness and getting back to your training of running?

[@tanyapitre731]

I just hired a trainer to put a strength program together for me. Focusing o on functional movements VS a ton of equipment. Kettlebells, TRX, battle ropes, sled, bodyweight. With focus on core and upper body. I want to smash my first half marathon!

[@svracing3]

Cycling either in or outdoor , bit of rowing and the stair machine aswell as weights does it for me and when you do run really push the session hard when needed

[@kat76woman]

My go to options are: cycling (trying to bike to work as often as possible as that's a great bonus workout plus fresh air before/after a long day of sitting in front of a computer) or walking (a walk on my lunch break or whenever I wasn't using my bike does wonders). So those are more like addons t o running. Trying to go for a swim, when I can. I should probably also add some strength training once in a while - still need to work on that.

[@runningchannel]

Sounds like you've got a great amount of cross training in your day to day!

[@kat76woman]

@@runningchannel I'm sitting in front of a computer all day and often get home late, so I need to find options to move whenever I can. And those are things that are easy to integrate without the need for a gym or special equipment. I can't go for a run on my lunch break (no shower option), but I can take a walk. And I need to get to work somehow - might as well use my bicycle as it doesn't take more time than the underground. So those are very low intensity activities, but hopefully they add up to help with my general fitness

[@anand54322]

I thought cross training to be using the cross trainer / elliptical as well :D

[@runningchannel]

So glad I’m not the only one! (Anna)

[@danieldunstone6128]

I've always done riding over the yrs when injured and whole I'm running for extra fitness as I do now, last yr I went thru a faze of experimenting while I was injured coming back to running I did cycling and ski erg sesions (8×1000m or4x2000m) did some assault bike sesions to build my aerobic capacity and when I was back to full training as usual kept up xtraijing cycling ski erg not so much assault bike for extra fitness but stopped ski erg this year when i started racing I just ride and running alongside full training, i did ski ergo to build aerobic capacity but stopped because it over worked upper body tightening them up meaning I had to stretch more also was a completely different move pattern to running and muscles I wouldn't use very much running like arms. I still do cycling but came to conclusion best xtraining for running is things that are the closest movement pattern so your working not just your aerobic capacity or anerobic but working muscles in same way you would running preparing you for running more than ski erg would, things like rower or ski erg r great for cardio aerobic but I didn't find it peppered me that well but it does stengthan posture. It's hard to say it is great for the core muscles which are used in running. I want to know your thoughts on is assault bike, ski erg when injured for running

[@joshnacua8998]

Just recently I have incorporated a strength training session into my long run, 7miles to the gym, full body work out, then 7miles home. I do this so I learn to run while im tired, aka run through the WALL... speaking of the wall you guys should talk about the WALL!!!

[@bigflat1238]

Was cycling today .loved it but was hard work ,I am going crosstraining to reduce pounding on body plus it is a good break from running

[@runningchannel]

Nice! Glad you had a nice time, it's nice to add it into your routine!

[@bigflat1238]

I am thinking doing the slow run technique maybe for 3/4 months any thoughts ,I can gather up to 14 miles on big day ,and maybe 8 miles day before do u have any thoughts on technique ,Also on distance so could run

[@elliottchard]

Great video!! Just what I needed

[@runningchannel]

Glad you liked it!

[@annaseyfert4541]

I do Triathlon and I honestly struggle to crosstrain ie condition training/weights/etc 😖 but I know I should do it more...

[@DanielMooreDJ]

Hi Anne I am an elite triathlete Racing for triathlon Ireland. Always put swim, bike, run first. If you can’t fit in any weights training that is ok doing things like hill sprints or using paddles in the pool is just like weight training and had the same effect.

[@northernninjarunner5506]

Need to get out on the new MTB I bought this year, but like new runners I don’t want to get it dirty 😆

[@jwilly7032]

That park reminds me of when I used to live in Chiswick

[@BleakVision]

7:45 Exactly the reason why runners shouldn‘t call anything and everything that is not running by this name. Not to forget Crossfit. It‘s confusing.

[@brynnsibley8397]

yoga & cycling!

[@runningchannel]

Great combo 👌

[@richardbeattie5575]

I go mountain biking and find riding over jumps and bumps gives arms and legs a good work out

[@runningchannel]

Nice one!

[@robertoduran218]

gym and running for me. Soreness wasnt as bad ad my mates that never went to the gym when we started running together

[@ifonly2675]

Please pause the video @4:01. You're welcome Anna

[@worldreformmedia6593]

can't say reduce rest interval because cross training... its not all about impact e body... intensity matters too to determine more or less aerobic metabolism, so if you make rest interval too short and are trying to do intervals that are more anaerobic then they will become more aerobic by not allowing fast twitch fibers to properly recover.

[@emilycoryschirer7514]

I'm a Black Belt in Taekwondo and train at my academy twice a week. Are the martial arts considered good cross training for runners? Love your channel--so much great information for beginning runners like me!

[@runningchannel]

Sure! Martial arts and things like kickboxing can offer aerobic endurance, balance and flexibility which are all things that runners often neglect.

[@DopeBenedict201]

Kickboxing cardio is fantastic. Doesn’t it help?? Cheers

[@Miniudej]

Could you please post all your best personal record (fastest) run times? Like 1 mile, 2 mile, 5k,, marathon, etc

[@runningchannel]

Comparison is the thief of joy!

[@Miniudej]

Oh i was trying to use it for inspiration, like maybe some day i would be able to run as fast as u guys.

[@Chris-mn7yy]

cool Jacket Anna!

[@runningchannel]

Cheers! It’s nice and toasty in the cold!

[@alan1507]

I cycle/commute most days to work - around 22 km there and back. But I find it's harder to get my heart rate up anything like as high as it goes when running (100-115) as opposed to 140-160. This is possibly because I don't want to take risks going too fast in traffic. Also doing it in the dark (as most of it is nowadays) seems to make you go slower. Is training at the lower HR still beneficial? Bikes are so energy efficient it almost feels like they get you there with no real effort (no hills on the route).

[@julianejacobs2975]

Mostly Badminton, gym (machines, Treadmill, Crosstrainer) and hiking

[@grumpusm1651]

I kickbox and do yoga

[@seantaylor2784]

Hi Anna, I’m really struggling with motivation to run in the dark this winter, having moved away from the constant light of a big city. Any tips for running in the dark?

[@DanielMooreDJ]

Hi Sean I am an Irish triathlete Racing at an elite level I hope I can give you some tips. 😊 is there any street light where you are currently living?

[@WatcherofVideosSometimes]

It's not for everyone but listening to music can be a great distraction. Also try to stick to areas with lampposts, though I acknowledge this may not be possible. If there's any way to go during the daylight then that's surely your best bet. Anyway gopd luck with your running!

[@danieldunstone6128]

I also started to ride and hold breath for 10secs and breath for 10 to get simular benfit swimmers do to improve my breathing my lung capacity and also I don't have access to a pool

[@lukedaniel7669]

A useful video, but I felt it was a shame that most of the cut clips featured soft focus very thin young women in minimal clothing. Nice eye candy, but in future videos it might be good to include footage of a variety of body types and non-gym-bunny type people? One of the big reasons I like your videos is you are regular people with normal lives so I can relate to what you advise, rather than trying to get near to a carefully curated, impossibly high performance/body image benchmark.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for the feedback, Luke! as we grow we hope to use much more of our own footage but we are limited in what we have access to at the mo while we’re still new (Anna)

[@adampickard9880]

Thank you!

[@alexisjimenez4408]

Love the video, but i was just wondering, would you recommend running and doing cross training on the same day? For example if I was to run and bike on the same day

[@runningchannel]

It all depends on the intensity and what your body if used to 😊 How far would you plan to run and cycle?

[@Diffusion]

What about something like an air bike...specifically a rogue echo bike or an assault bike?

[@buddybaillie4940]

Lots of walking with the dog. I ran my first 10k on Monday and a 40 minute dog walk really helped after😊

[@mischkapoonasamy6294]

Hi there. How often should I do cross training per week if I'm running atleast twice a week? I am looking to purchase a 90-day toning programme (to meet my body goals) but I am training towards a half marathon, so I would like to make an informed decision before my purchase. Would it interfere with my running?

[@runningchannel]

It depends on the type and intensity of the cross training session you want to implement!

[@CragFiend]

LMAO at the thumbnails legs

[@mitchelvenlo51]

Hii how are you, i love your channel❤ I have a question. A few days ago i had a conversation with my friend, he said: if a high performance marathon runner(let's say kipchoge) have to run 2 x 1000m at 100% effort with 30 sec rest, it is possible to run the same time back to back. Is that posible?

[@waleadeniji6959]

hi, this is a good video. but i most time have very limited time for cross training... only weekends (Saturdays alone) i go for long run and little exercise.. what can i do to add more cross training to that limited time

[@jasperinooo]

I’m late, but thanks! This video was really helpful!

[@runningchannel]

👍

[@guernanei4179]

What better to run before or after workout exercise🤕🌷

[@osiriswills6749]

The thumbnail 😂😂😂

[@clarity2115]

I use boxing for cross-training.

[@hanphilnoffz8827]

Haha I would skate board as cross training 4 fun lifting 4 fun and running too or just when I need 2 carry heavy things but skate board is main exercise I do outside other then running

[@runningchannel]

That's awesome!

[@benchapuis6536]

Rowing?

[@seantaylor2784]

But why is the cross trainer called a cross trainer? Cycling and swimming for me. I’d love to do more strength training but I just find it so uninteresting

[@dirtymike3329]

Personally I row for a different stimulus entirely

[@RobeenaShepherd]

You are not the only one that thought cross training was using a cross trainer 😊

[@drewanderson1057]

Mountain biking

[@bozoldier]

Why not using a footage of people that have a descent rowing stroke?

[@JaJake101]

I agree, the video clip they showed was horrendously bad