As beginner runners (or any runners for that matter!), we often tend to stick to the one thing we know: running. However, running does give us quite a pounding on our legs! Our joints and muscles are repeatedly shocked throughout the run… And the more intense the run, the more thumping they take! Trust us, here are the benefits of water aerobic exercise for runners.
Cross-training a day or two a week can work wonders!
What is cross-training, you ask?
It basically means that you “cross over” for a day into another aerobic exercise area. Instead of only running to help prevent injury. Or to recover after an injury. Don’t get me wrong, nothing gets your heart rate going like a good run. But running can be pretty stressful on your body. So, lots and lots of runners take a day or two a week and cross-train.
For cross-training, you want to do another activity that elevates your heart rate but doesn’t impact your body quite as much as running. This gives your muscles and joints a rest while keeping your heart going.
Cross-training has some great benefits:
1) Gives joints, bones, and muscles a much-needed rest, making them fresher for your next run.
2) It still increases your heart rate, so you still get an excellent aerobic workout even on the days you don’t run.
3) Breaks the routine. (I mean, we love running, but sometimes it’s just nice to do something else!)
So, what kinds of cross-training are there?
There’s riding a bike, but cycling can be expensive. Or there are treadmills and elliptical machines at the gym. However, the gym can be costly, too, and we are runners because we like the price!
Water Running
My recommended cross-training activity is water running. It does take a one-time investment in aqua jogger shoes or gloves (around £15-20) or an aqua jogging vest or belt (a £45-55 cost), but after that, you’re good to go.
Just get in the deep water at your nearest pool, and run in the water. It takes a little getting used to, but it’s really very simple. In no time, you’ll be water running with the best of them. If you live near the coast or a lake, you could even brave the waters.
The health benefit of water running is big!
Water running is ideal for keeping your aerobic fitness up while your injury heals if you’re already injured. When you do your water running, your heart rate still gets up there (so you get the aerobic benefit), but your muscles get a rest from the pounding for a day. So, it’s a perfect cross-training activity. And just by doing water running, you’re helping yourself prevent injury.
In the form of water running, water aerobic exercise is a great way to cross-train and save your legs! So, take some good advice on running for beginners! For all of you who love running and want to keep doing it for years… you’ll be saving some of the miles in your legs for another day!
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